Capital Improvements and Asset Management Advisory Committee chairperson OJ Armstrong presented a plan for identifying funding options for infrastructure projects at the Dec. 10 Blanco City Council meeting. The three components of this plan must be sustainable, scalable and viable, Armstrong said. He recapped the important function of the enterprise fund, which encompasses maintenance and emergency repairs. There have been many times in the recent past when the fund has been reduced to nearly zero, and necessary fixes have been delayed or not done as result of this. A healthy enterprise fund enables the city to maintain and repair whatever current infrastructure exists, he said. The presentation also included the need to develop an asset management plan, a capital improvement plan, a comprehensive land development plan and an annual review of utility and tax rates as processes to support The approved project list is as follows: retaining wall for Town Creek, a portable generator for the Cielo water system and Pittsburg lift station, a generator for the police department, replacement of 10 fire hydrants and extension of the city sewer sustainable growth.
CIA MAC recommended that the city hold a bond election in May 2025 to fund water, wastewater and street projects in 10-year increments over a 30-year period. The bonds would be issued in the amount and on a timeline that ties the ratio of the city’s long-term debt to its total taxable assessed value, at or under 5%. The projections use an inflation rate of 3.5% per year. There is an optimistic projection of potentially getting 20% of the funding from grants, Armstrong said. The presentation with slides detailing the total amount of the infrastructure projects, a list of projects and overview of the plan can be found on the city’s website. The total amount needed over the 30-year period is $171 million, with 52% for water projects, 21% for wastewater projects and 27% for streets. The city plans to hold public workshops and additional meetings to discuss the details, the amount of each of the 10-year “tranches” and explain the process to residents.
CIAMAC also recommended rescinding the 1987 resolution which allocates a half-cent of sales tax to subsidize ad valorem taxes. The allocation would be used instead to build a cash reserve in the enterprise fund and allocate the use for dedicated water and street accounts. The rescinding of the ordinance is an election item requiring a vote by the public. The project list for the certificates of Obligation Series 2024A was approved with a 3-0-2 vote. Council members Dennis Moore Jr. and Ryan Moses abstained.
There was discussion of the cost sharing aspect as sociated with the sewer line extension. Mayor Mike Arnold asked about the other businesses or developers who might be interested in hooking up to an extended sewer line. The developer identified as “Neighbor’s Market” has pledged to pay $95,000 as part of “cost sharing” of the sewer line.
There were three options presented to the council, ranging from $380,000 to $600,000. Council member Candy Cargill asked about the impact on Paradise Creek and if environmental impact studies had been undertaken. Questions about capacity of the wastewater system and available taps were raised by council members Moses, Bobby Mack-McClung and Cargill. Moses asked about the number of taps allowed by TCEQ per the amount of acre feet allowed per year. There are roughly 21 taps available now. On sewer capacity, at 70% cities are required to begin planning for upgrades including plant upgrades. The current capacity is 54%.
The results of the request for qualifications for city engineering services and information technology services were reviewed and approved by the city council. SPI received the highest score with the next step being a contract negotiation with City Administrator Warren Escovy. Current engineering firm Ardurra did not participate in the RFQ, as they did not want to renegotiate the terms. Moses asked if a purchase order system could be utilized in the contract conversations if consultations with CI AMAC are included in the scope, stating he supports engineer involvement but also wants to stress fiscal responsibility. CIAMAC representatives stated that con tact with an engineer or “engineer in training” would be a huge help as Blanco does not have a public works director. Brandon Carlson, CIAMAC member, suggested a monthly meeting could be added as a “retainer.”
The RFQ for IT services scored VC3 the highest, and the council approved the results and directed Escovy to undertake the contract conversation with them as well. Police chief Jerry Thornhill spoke about the positive references he received from other communities who currently use the company. He also mentioned they have 24-hour tech support and over 400 criminal justice information systems certified technicians on staff.
During his monthly report, Thornhill thanked the community for the generous outpouring of support for the Thanksgiving food drive the department held in conjunction with the Blanco Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement. Donations exceeded what Good Samaritan could receive and the drive ended early. The police department will make this a yearly initiative along with its “Blue Santa” program. Arnold commended the chief for doing “heroic work and putting in long hours to really impact the deeper crime in town.” As this relates to an ongoing investigation, Thornhill did not comment other than to acknowledge there was unplanned overtime this month.
The revamped and streamlined city sign ordinance was reviewed and passed. The council and Escovy thanked Carlson for his work on that project. A code of ethics and conduct for elected and appointed officials was adopted by unanimous vote. City Attorney Tim Tuggey thanked Moses for introducing the policy and the entire council for their input on it.
Blanco’s annual Lighted Holiday Parade is Saturday at 6 p.m. The route stretches from Blanco High School to the historic square. The Old Blanco County Courthouse will be illuminated with the recently upgraded lights, and Santa Claus will be in the pergola in Bindseil Park after the parade to visit with kids. Blanco’s monthly Market Day takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day, but some vendors may elect to stay later due to the parade
