Kendall County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kendall County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Facility Maintenance and Capital Improvement
The court is launching a space needs assessment with HDR Architecture but couldn't agree on who sits on the steering committee — judges, the DA, and the sheriff all want seats. The $100,000 study will guide future courthouse and justice center planning.
Cemetery Infrastructure Standards and Application Process
New rules and a standard application now govern how cemeteries — commercial or family — are established in the county, covering drainage, notice, and traffic for funeral processions.
FY2027 County Budget and Property Tax Rate
The court certified the 2026 tax levy at $44.78 million, up about $1.4 million from 2025 — collections are already underway, with early-payment discounts available.
Grant Funding for Law Enforcement and Victim Services
The court approved four grant applications totaling about $693,000 — an ambulance grant, a JAG grant, and two victim-services grants — that bring outside money into the county instead of raising local taxes.
Wildfire Preparedness and Building Code Adoption
Kendall County is one of the most wildfire-at-risk counties in Texas, and residents are getting insurance non-renewal letters. The court heard how adopting parts of the Wildland Urban Interface Code into its fire code could make new homes safer and insurable, while the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home program offers a retrofit path for existing homes.
Comfort Flood Mitigation and Property Acquisition
The county is racing to meet state deadlines on a flood siren and gauge system funded by a $1 million grant, and is pushing for after-action reports on the recent floods — though partners have been slow to respond.
Proposed Pulte sewer plant near Corley Road
A resident raised concerns about a Pulte Homes application to TCEQ for a sewer plant 150 feet from his family's well, with trucked sludge and a larger 700-acre development revealed in the permit.
Corley Road Phase 1 acceptance
The county accepted the rebuilt Corley Road segment from Pulte Homes for maintenance, released the $2.34 million performance bond, and returned an unused 0.59-acre right-of-way parcel to the landowner.
EMS Medical Director Procurement
Kendall County is re-evaluating its selection for EMS Medical Director to ensure proper coverage and coordination across all county fire departments.
Fire Protection and EMS Interlocal Agreements
Local fire chiefs will discuss how different departments can team up better to keep Kendall County safe. They'll review equipment, response times, and shared resources.
Grants Manager and Compliance Director Hiring and Compensation
Kendall County is hiring a dedicated Grants Manager and Compliance Director to oversee and secure grant funding. The commissioners interviewed finalists and extended an offer to Stephanie Kranich to fill this administrative role.
AI policy and county technology governance
The IT director laid out a new state mandate to adopt an AI code of ethics and name an AI risk officer. The court wants clearer security rules and will appoint the officer first before finalizing a policy.
SH 46 West Safety Improvements
TxDOT will hold a public meeting November 10 on safety fixes for SH 46 West, including Jersey barriers at Webster's Curve that residents demanded. The county put $100,000 in the FY27 budget to make it happen.
2026 TAC Best Practices Award for Bergheim VFD staffing program
The county won a competitive state award for helping Bergheim VFD staff its station 24/7 while keeping the volunteer model. It's the county's first such award in ten years, and other counties are already calling to copy the idea.
Outdoor Burning Prohibition (Burn Ban)
After measurable rain, the burn ban is off — unincorporated Kendall County residents may burn outdoors again, though the Fire Marshal is watching the burn index as conditions dry.
Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Appointment
The Commissioners Court interviewed five candidates to fill the unexpired term of the late Judge Frieda Pressler in Precinct 4. After public testimony and candidate presentations, the court appointed former Constable Brian Vaughan.
County Dark Sky Initiative and Night Sky Month
Local advocates and young Girl Scouts presented progress on Kendall County's application to become the first International Dark Sky County in Texas, supported by a proclamation declaring October as Night Sky Month.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Management
The board discussed recent flood impacts on county parks and explored organizing post-flood and semiannual cleanup initiatives.
EMS Leadership Continuity
After a split 3-2 vote, the court rejected the evaluation committee's top recommendation for EMS Medical Director and authorized contract negotiations with Archangel EMD LLC.
Grant Awards Acceptance for Fiscal Year 2027
The county adopted multiple resolutions to accept state and federal grant awards supporting mental health, law enforcement radios, victim assistance, and prosecution.
Flock Safety Surveillance
A recent shootout between a suspect and a Kendall County deputy at a local motel has residents worried about rising crime. This incident is sparking a broader conversation about how safe our community really is.
Flock Camera Program
The Kendall County Fair bleachers are officially safe to use again after passing recent inspections. You can now enjoy the events without worrying about the structural issues that caused last year's collapse.
Park System Hours and Land Evaluation
Board members reviewed operating hours across county parks and discussed implementing a standardized land evaluation form for future properties.
Six Hills Ranch Permitting Dispute
Kendall County is growing fast, and it’s starting to show in our traffic jams and rising rent prices. City officials are currently debating how to handle this expansion, so pay attention to upcoming meetings if you want a say in how our town changes.
New World Screwworm Threat
Kendall County just confirmed three COVID-19 cases, but officials say there's no sign of community spread yet. It's a 'wait and see' situation, so keep an eye on local health alerts for any changes.
Water Stewardship Initiative
Kendall County is looking to earn 'International Dark Sky' status, which means we might see new rules on how bright our outdoor lights can be. It’s all about cutting down on light pollution to keep our night skies clear, but it could change how you light up your porch or business sign.
Public Defender Participation
A man who broke back into the Kendall County jail is now claiming he was mistreated by staff while in custody. This bizarre incident has sparked a much-needed conversation about whether our local jail has the proper oversight to keep inmates safe.