Council considers golf cart registration fees, approves permitting software

After holding the first public hearing on rezoning the Economic Development Corp.’s property on Maple Street from P3 to P4, the Bandera City Council heard a proposal to charge registration fees for golf carts and unanimously approved new online permitting software.

The public hearing drew opposition from city resident Gail Stone, who spoke against rezoning the EDC property from P3 to P4, which would allow for a mix of commercial and residential uses.

“It’s all about future business, or I need to sell my lot,” Stone said. “Or it needs to be able to do more than it did when I bought it for cheap.”

City Administrator Toni Kunz addressed the financial burden of rezoning properties, noting the costs associated with updating maps and publications.

“It costs a great deal to redo maps and redo publications,” Kunz said, adding that rezoning is part of managing a city’s growth. “[Rezoning] would be more cost-efficient if we did it as part of our comprehensive master plan enhancement.”
Mayor Denise Griffin also clarified that the property is in a floodplain, which would limit what could be built there.

“You’re not going to see a three-story building there,” Griffin said.

City officials said there is no set plan for how the EDC intends to use the property.

The council closed the public hearing, and the rezoning request is expected to return to a future agenda for possible action.

The council then heard reports from department heads, including a proposal from Kunz to generate revenue for street repairs and an update on road conditions from Public Works Director Terry Wells.

After suggesting stop signs on Cedar, Cypress and Pecan streets between Main and First streets to help manage traffic flow, Kunz addressed another issue: golf carts and all-terrain vehicles on city streets.

“There are complaints about golf carts,” Kunz said. “If we require them to have registrations, we could use those fees toward streets [repairs].”

But council member Debbie Breen disagreed, stating that she had not received any complaints about golf carts. 

Kunz went on to address ATVs on public roads, distinguishing them from golf carts.

“We fall under a state statute that golf carts are allowed,” Kunz said. “What is not allowed are ATVs.”

No action on a registration fee was taken. 

Wells updated the council on drainage issues near Oak Street, and a storm drain that carries water toward 12th Street.

“There is a 24-inch culvert in there we pulled out because it chokes down really bad right there,” Wells said, adding that the city plans to install a larger culvert. “Right now, I’m in a standstill waiting for engineers to get back with me.”
Council members thanked Wells for addressing the drainage problem.

“I’m glad to see y’all are finally doing something there,” council member Tammy Morrow said.

Wells also raised concerns about deteriorating pavement on 11th Street, Cottonwood Street and the back side of Cherry Street.

“11th Street, Cottonwood, and the backside of Cherry Street – it’s all new pavement the last four years,” Wells said. “It’s already starting to lose its oils.”

Morrow cautioned that residents might question why the same streets were being addressed again so soon.

“I just know that when people see those streets getting worked on again, we’re going to hear it,” Morrow said.
Kunz reminded the council that the city is awaiting a decision on a potential grant through the 2027-28 Texas Community Development Block Grant program to help fund road repairs within city limits.

The council later unanimously approved purchasing new online permitting software from Community Core.
According to the city’s official memo, the software will provide “24/7 access for citizens, contractors, and city staff.” The cost falls within the city’s 2026-27 budget.

The council also requested interviews with legal representatives who applied to work for the city.
Additionally, council members approved the return of $1,500 in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds from the Bandera Pro Rodeo.

The council is expected to discuss fees on short term rentals at a future city council meeting, according to Kunz.