Schertz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Schertz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FM 1518 trees blocking line of sight
Trees between Aviation and Aztec Way on FM 1518 are blocking drivers' line of sight, and the question of who owns them is unresolved. Clearing them could improve safety on a busy corridor.
Rose Garden Elementary safety at FM 1518
Safety concerns have been raised at Rose Garden Elementary where it meets FM 1518 — a school-zone issue that affects families walking and driving to school.
Zoning and Specific Use Permits for Commercial and Mixed-Use Properties
A specific use permit would let a major automobile repair and service operation run on about 1.3 acres along Schertz Parkway. Neighbors get a say at the public hearing before any recommendation goes to City Council.
Main Street Local Flavor Economic Grant Program Modifications
The committee is looking at potential changes to the grant program that helps local businesses along Main Street. Adjustments could affect how grant money is distributed and who qualifies.
York International Corporation Incentive Agreement
The board was scheduled to review a proposed incentive agreement with York International Corporation to encourage local business growth. Any approved incentives would be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration.
SCUC ISD Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATER)
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD representatives presented information regarding an upcoming November 3 tax ratification election for a 12-cent increase to the operations tax rate. The increase would generate about $15 million annually to close an $8 million budget deficit, maintain student programs, and retain teachers amidst rising operational costs.
Police Technology and Surveillance Programs
Schertz police are launching a one-year drone pilot program utilizing two automated DFR pods provided by Motorola and BRINC to improve emergency response times. While police highlighted benefits like faster situational awareness and safety, public commenters raised serious privacy concerns regarding mass surveillance and data security.
Residential Development and Zoning Near FM 1518
The commission reviewed zone changes for 29 total acres near FM 1518 and Maske Road. Developers plan to build about 220 single-family rental homes on 21 acres while keeping 8 acres open space to comply with military air safety zones.
Dry Comal Creek Nature Park Zone Change and Flood Concerns
Residents living near the proposed 10.7-acre Dry Comal Creek Nature Park raised serious concerns about severe flooding, lack of emergency egress, and traffic impacts. Commissioners recommended approval of the Public Use District rezone while acknowledging the community's safety concerns for city council consideration.
July 15 Flood Emergency Response and Review
Fire Chief Greg Rodgers presented an after-action report on the July 15 flood response, highlighting proactive evacuations, multi-agency coordination, and shelter operations.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan
Council adopted a new strategic plan to guide business retention, recruitment, and workforce development over the coming years.
Data Center Regulation and Zoning
The commission is looking into creating strict zoning rules for data centers to address concerns about high electricity, water usage, noise, and light pollution.
Subdivision Parkland Dedications and Creek Corridor Preservation
The city is actively negotiating parkland dedications with developers across multiple new subdivisions to secure valuable green space and expand the Cibolo Creek and Woman Hollering Creek trail systems. By acquiring usable acreage rather than isolated parcels or fees in lieu, the city ensures future residents have adequate recreational access.
November 2026 Joint General Election
The city formally ordered its November 3 general election for Council Places 3, 4, and 5 and partnered with Comal, Bexar, and Guadalupe counties for joint administration.
Land Use Plan Amendment & Rezone at 6615 FM 482
The council approved changing 2.1 acres on FM 482 from Local Corridor to Industrial Hub and rezoning from PRE to GB-2 for an equipment and storage yard, despite neighborhood opposition and P&Z's recommendation to deny.
Signage Standards and Developer Waivers
The Schertz Station developer requested a large sign area waiver due to highway grade changes, sparking debate over whether the city should relax sign limits for retail centers or maintain strict compliance across the board.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Amendment
The council approved adjustments to the city budget to account for unexpected costs, land purchases, and grant-funded projects.
Solid Waste Service Levels and Survey Results
The city reviewed resident feedback on the trash and recycling collection services provided by Frontier Waste Solutions. While many residents expressed a preference for twice-a-week trash pickup, most are unwilling to pay the additional monthly fee required to fund it.
FM 482 Land Use and Industrial Encroachment
A proposal to rezone rural property on FM 482 for industrial outdoor storage faced pushback from neighbors and staff over concerns about dust, heavy truck traffic, and incompatibility with nearby schools and residences.
Municipal Bond Issuance and Reimbursement
The city is moving forward with issuing about $9.85 million in bonds to fund road paving, street upgrades, drainage improvements, and emergency facility generators.
FM 78 Police Station Remodel Bids Rejected
The city rejected all construction bids received for the FM 78 Police Station remodel project because costs came in higher than expected. Staff will need to re-evaluate the project scope and reissue bids.
Election Results Canvass and Council Transition
The city certified its recent runoff election results, officially bringing newly elected Councilmember Sarah Dietz onto the dais and bidding farewell to longtime council member Allison Heyward.
Hubertus Road Sidewalk Gaps and Pedestrian Safety
The city reviewed options to fill missing sidewalk gaps along Hubertus Road to ensure safe walking routes for students attending the nearby middle and elementary schools. Council directed staff to move forward as quickly as possible with constructing missing segments and acquiring necessary easements.
Municipal Election Integrity and City Leadership Review
Residents raised concerns during public comment regarding alleged election interference and sign removals during a recent municipal special election. The City Council reviewed these allegations in closed session and ultimately found no policy violations by the city manager.
City Council Place 6 Special Election Canvass and Runoff
Following a four-way special election on April 4 where no candidate won a majority, the city has officially canvassed the votes and set a runoff election between Sarah Dietz and Raquel Gutierrez for May 16.
SCUCISD 2026 Bond Election
Superintendent Paige Meloni and student representatives urged the community to vote on the May 2nd school district bond, which totals $295 million across three propositions for facility upgrades, security, stadium improvements, and technology.
Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption Revenue Impact
City officials addressed the growing financial impact of state-mandated disabled veteran tax exemptions, which reduce city property tax revenues by millions while state aid remains capped.
Water and Wastewater Capital Recovery Fee Appeal Process
The council established a formal appeal process for water and sewer impact fees to give fair consideration to development projects caught in transition during rate updates.
First Quarter Financial Review and Annual Audit
City finance staff and outside auditors presented strong first-quarter revenue numbers and a clean annual audit report for fiscal year 2024-25, showing healthy general fund reserves and growing sales tax revenues.
Parks and Recreation Annual Report and Trail Projects
The parks department reviewed its annual accomplishments, including new park naming, trail agreements, and facility upgrades that enhance community quality of life.
City Financial Stability and Personnel Compensation
Residents raised concerns over the city's general fund relying on reserves due to increasing personnel compensation costs outpacing revenue growth.
FM 3009 Closure and Flyover Concerns
TxDOT is planning an overpass on FM 3009 over FM 78 and the railroad tracks to reduce chronic traffic jams and improve emergency response times. While city leaders agree traffic relief is needed, local business owners worry that changes to turning access and visibility will hurt their sales.
Railroad Crossing Safety and Traffic Delays
A resident voiced concerns about recurring train accidents at the FM 78 intersection and the resulting traffic backups affecting school buses and parents picking up children.
City Council Appointment
Schertz has a new face on the City Council with Robert Sheridan III stepping in to fill the empty Place 7 seat. He’ll be serving out the remainder of the current term, meaning he'll be voting on local policies starting immediately.
Council Place 6 Special Election Scheduling
Following a resignation to run for county office, the city scheduled a special election for April 4, 2026, to fill Council Place 6.
Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) Code Amendments
The city is drafting overlay districts and standards for lighting, height, and noise to protect military operations around Randolph Air Force Base.
Council Place 6 Vacancy and Hold-Over Status
Residents and council discussed the legal status of the Place 6 council seat following a candidate filing for county commissioner, with a special election set for April.
Council Place 7 Runoff Election
The city is holding a runoff election on January 31 for the Place 7 council seat after no candidate secured a majority in the December special election.
Police Misconduct
A Schertz police officer was just fired after being hit with serious allegations of sexual assault and official oppression. It’s a major wake-up call that’s forcing the city to answer tough questions about how they vet and monitor the people wearing the badge.
annexation and ETJ regulation
Schertz is holding a special election to vote on how the city handles growth and services in its outer edges, known as the ETJ. This vote will decide if the city should annex these areas or just regulate them, which directly affects how your neighborhood might grow.
Mayoral Election
Schertz is gearing up for a competitive mayoral race as two challengers take on incumbent Mayor Gutierrez. This election will decide the city's leadership direction and who sets the agenda at City Hall for the next term.
Police Department Leadership
Schertz is looking for a new police chief again after the interim leader resigned amid internal drama. It’s a messy situation that leaves the department without a permanent captain at the helm.
Police Leadership
Schertz just brought on a new police chief to lead the department. This change is a major turning point for how our local officers will handle public safety and community relations moving forward.