A Message From Mayor Chris Riley

LETTER TO LEON VALLEY CITIZENS

From Mayor Chris Riley

August  22, 2025

THE GOINGS ON IN LEON VALLEY   

Saturday, August 23^rd  – Mobile Pet Clinic providing Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations,  Noon to 4pm, 6400 El Verde Road in the Cul-de-sac behind the police department. No appointment necessary, just show up.

Saturday, August  30^th at 11 a.m., Grand Opening of Sweet Serenity Coffeehouse .  This is a sister business of Comfort Café.  Located at 6812 Bandera Rd. # 119, Leon Valley, TX.  78238.

Saturday, August 30^th – September 1^st – Forest Oaks Community Pool is open from 10 am – Noon (Adult lap swim and water aerobics) and Noon – 8 pm.  Daily pass is $5.00.  On Labor Day, September 1^st, there is no charge.  The pool will continue to be open, weekends only, through September 28^th.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING –August 19^th,  2025

CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

MEETING BEGAN AT 5:45 p.m.

       The City Council serves as the Board of Directors, which oversees money collected through a 1/8 cent local sales and use tax.  The tax funds a special district authorized for small municipalities. The purpose of this fund is to improve crime prevention and reduce crime. This tax was approved by vote of our citizens in 2013 and renewed in 2023. For the FY 26 Budget, total revenues budgeted are $440,300 and total expenditures are $429,755. This fund covers, among other things, the salary and benefits for 50% of the Assistant Police Chief, one patrol officer and one investigations sergeant. The reserve fund balance in the fund is over $800,000 which will help fund needed future police radios. The Council approved the Crime Control FY 26 budget unanimously.                   

           The following are highlights of council actions from the August 19, 2025 council meeting which began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 9:13 p.m.

PRESENTATIONS

Discussion and Action on Amending the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance – Councilors Philip Campos and Betty Heyl requested amending the current ordinance to include a definition for block face (at our attorney’s recommendation), increase distance requirements from 200 feet to 300 feet between STR’s,  and increase registration fee from $25 to $200.  After an executive session, Councilor Campos moved to keep the distance requirement at 200 feet and not change to 300 feet.  The other amendments remained the same.  The second read is scheduled for approval at the September 2^nd council meeting in the consent agenda.

Continued Discussion on the Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget  & Authorizing A Proposed Property Tax Rate.  A Public Hearing to Adopt the Tax Rate & FY 2026 Budget will be held at the September 2^nd meeting – At the last City Council meeting, the Council directed the city manager to increase the tax rate, from the no-new-revenue tax rate, set by Bexar County Appraisal (BAD) at $.505, to $.515 in order to balance the FY 26 budget. As a reminder, the no-new-revenue rate is calculated by BAD to bring in approximately the same tax revenue as last years budget.  With this increased tax rate of one penny per $100 valuation, there was an operating surplus in the proposed budget of $63,766. The Council, directed the manager to use these funds to expend $6,500 for a mass notification system (for emergencies), to add $30,000 back to the fire department repairs line item, and to add $12,000 to the Parks maintenance line item. The balance of $15,266 will be added to the reserve fund.  The Council unanimously decided not to fund a 4^th of July celebration next year for the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, due to budgetary constraints.

        What is the fiscal impact on homeowners due to the adjusted tax rate?  For the average home value of $230,391, this equates to a $99 increase in your annual property taxes, from $1,088.83 to $1,186.61. Please attend the September 2^nd council meeting; there will be an opportunity to speak on your budget priorities.  The council will vote on the FY 26 Budget and is expected to set the tax rate at $.515 per $100 valuation.

         The City Council, at the suggestion of the City Manager, appropriated $475,000 from the $5.7 million in the current capital reserve fund for future needs:  $200,000 for an ambulance; $200,000 towards a total match of $800,000, the City’s portion of a $1.6 million matching grant request for the Forest Oaks pool; and $75,000 for ½ of the total needed for the Fire Department airpacks.

        Thank you Dr. Caldera and Finance Director Goering for their efforts in preparing the FY 26 budget; also, to all the department directors who cut many items from their budget.  

Discussion on Increased Code and Traffic Enforcement - At the City Council retreat this summer, the Council had a lengthy discussion on code enforcement.  It was the general consensus of the governing body to follow the laws of the city regarding codes and to issue a citation if a homeowner is in violation.  After receiving a citation, the homeowner has 10 days to rectify the situation and if compliant, then the case is closed.  This happened to me this summer regarding my lawn (tree limbs over the sidewalk). The goal of issuing citations should be carried out in a fair and consistent manner to achieve compliance.  A common violation is parking in the driveway so as to block the sidewalk. This is illegal under the Texas Penal Code, Section 42.03 because it affects the public’s safety. Councilor Campos stated he is responsible for asking the City Manager to increase police presence on Evers road due to speeding.

         Overall, the police force is doing their job and the Council cannot direct them on how they should do their jobs. If you do receive a ticket, speak with the Municipal Court Judge about options available, including performing community service.  Let’s all work together to keep our community safe and a place we are all proud to call home.

REGULAR AGENDA

Authorized the City Manager to Award the Fiscal 2026 Group Insurance Bid for Employee Medical, Dental and Life Insurance provided by Gallagher Benefit Services, representing a 7.4 % increase.  The City currently pays 100% of Employee-Only premium costs for these services but had to change health and dental insurance to United Healthcare for to a more competitive rate.  The city’s adjusted cost per employee for next fiscal year insurance is $908.54, broken down by Health, $881.52, Dental, $25.72 and Life $1.30.

Council Unanimously Awarded an In-Kind Grant Request by American Legion No. 336 for a 9/11 Ceremony at the Conference Center, by waiving fees of  $975. The City Manager recommended that this annual remembrance be added to the City’s special events, but that the American Legion share with the city in the out of pocket expenses (security and cleaning fees), beginning in September, 2026.

          Our next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 beginning at 6:30 pm at city hall. 

DID YOU KNOW?

STAGE 3 WATERING RULES STILL IN EFFECT – Even with all the rain we have received this year, Bexar County is still in a severe drought. Depending on the last digit of your address, you can water with a sprinkler once a week between the hours of 5 – 10 am or 9 pm to midnight.  Hand watering is allowed at any time.  For more information, please visit WateringRules.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7^TH – ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – Please mark your calendars to have a simple gathering on your street for an hour or two (6-8 pm). This is a great way to meet your neighbors, your council members, city manager, police and fire department chiefs and staff. The Council meeting has been cancelled.

       Have a safe and happy Labor Day on September 1^st!  The Council and I are here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way.

Sincerely, Chris

(210) 618-2092 (cell)

mayorriley@leonvalleytexas.gov