Bandera’s City Council meeting last week covered a proclamation for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitution Week, updates on several grants, approval of the BEDC 20252026 budget, a $25,000 HOT tax reimbursement for 2025 applicants, a utility rate update, and a fiery exchange between Councilmember Tony Battle and city council candidate Tammy Morrow.
During the visitors-to-be-heard portion, Bob Brischetto with Don’t Make Waste Bandera discussed the group’s three ongoing projects: cleaning roadways, encouraging adoption of county roads, and working with disabled individuals who are unable to maintain their lawns.
“We have cleaned an incredible amount,” Brischetto said, adding that the organization raises its own money and is strictly volunteer-run. “Since 2023, we have cleaned over 21 yards in Wharton’s Dock.”
Brischetto, who thanked Councilmember Jeff Flowers for his help with the organization, invited the city council to a Volunteer Appreciation Event at 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Silver Sage Cafeteria.
Council then issued a proclamation for Constitution Week, marking the 238th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution by the Constitutional Convention. The proclamation runs Sept. 17–23.
Interim City Administrator Jill Dickerson provided an update on the TxDOT grant the city applied for June 25 with Pape-Dawson.
“At the moment, they are looking over applications,” Dickerson said.
The grant would provide $3 million for the city sidewalk project and an additional 10% for beautification.
“The beautification would be for benches, trees, and trashcans,” said Battle, who worked with Dickerson on the application.
Dickerson also said the city is moving forward with Flock Safety in installing cameras to assist both the Marshal’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Initial costs would be $14,167.
She added that the LSRA application the city submitted in July for restrooms at the city park is still pending.
Council unanimously approved the BEDC proposed 2025-2026 budget, which reflected income of $461,500 and expenses of $451,357.70. The remaining net income is listed at $10,142.30.
Council also considered distribution of the $25,000 HOT tax reimbursement for 2025 applicants. Mayor Denise Griffin suggested splitting half of the available funds equally between five requests and setting aside the other half for grants.
The city currently has $45,000 in HOT funds. At half, $22,500 would go toward the applicants. Griffin suggested giving each $4,500, but Councilmember Brett Hicks countered that some projects needed more financial support than others.
Ultimately, the reimbursements were divided as follows: $5,250 for Riding on Faith, $1,000 for BBA National Day of the American Cowboy, $10,000 for BBA Cowboys on Main and Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters, $2,250 for Bandera Pro Rodeo Association Labor Day Weekend, and $4,000 for Memorial Day Stampede. The allocations passed unanimously.
“Last year, we had $30,000 to give out,” Hicks said to attendees waiting for their amounts. “We had a bigger budget.”
City Treasurer Allyson Wright then provided a utility update, confirming that Republic Waste Management rates will continue to rise by 5% yearly, totaling a 30% increase. The revenue would bring the city $700,021.
“There’s a lot of work involved,” Wright said, citing administrative fees. “Including the utility clerk duties and I also included my own duties, which include quarterly trash audits and monthly sales tax reports to the comptroller.”
Morrow countered, saying her research showed Hondo charges a 12% administrative fee while Kerrville retains 5%.
“I just don’t see how 30% is justified,” Morrow said.
Battle defended the increase.
“Maybe you’re lucky enough to sit on the other dais at some point,” Battle said, “but we have a business to run. We have to be able to create revenue to take care of issues within the city.”
GriffinechoedBattle’spoint, addingthatcomparingBandera to larger cities like Kerrville and Hondo was not fair.
Morrow then pointed out that Dickerson had misspoken in a prior meeting, stating that waste services were not being marked up.
“She made a mistake,” Griffin said. “She was under the idea that we did not have an increase on that. She was incorrect and she stated that. Allyson did the research and clarified that.”
Battle closed the discussion with a sharp remark about Morrow’s questioning. “This is a political witch hunt,” Battle said. “All money is being spent and utilized in the city. There’s no secret pocket. Find another platform.”
The City Council will meet again at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23.
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