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February 3, 2026
City to schedule tests of flood warning system
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Beginning in March, the City of Bandera flood warning system will be tested the first Wednesday of each month at noon.
“We did some testing, unfortunately we didn’t do enough testing,” City of Bandera Public Works Director Terry Wells said.
The last test, completed in July 2025, registered citizen input, however Wells said more feedback is needed. Installed in the ‘40s, Wells said more buildings and traffic absorb the sound of the alarm, which has to be manually activated on the water tower.
“We need to test routinely, once per month,” Wells said. “You don’t want to do it too much, because it gets repetitive and people will start ignoring it.”
Wells added he is researching options for remote applications.
~ In other business, applications are being accepted for the city administrator’s position.
“I would really like to see somebody with experience running a municipality,” Council Member Lynn Palmer said. “We would not be starting over from scratch.”
Details about the posting are listed here.
~ Council delayed taking action on a reimbursement request from Arlene Guerra, of TJ’s at the Old Forge, for a lengthy repair she said interrupted business over the course of three months.
Guerra said the plumbing nuisance began in November, and liability was tossed back and forth numerous times between the city and Guerra’s plumber. Ultimately, the city accepted responsibility and a pipe replacement was completed in January, but Guerra said many business days were lost due to a grease overspill and foul sewer smell.
Requesting reimbursement for $775 in plumbing expenses, Guerra also asked the city to compensate her for lost daily sales while she was unable to open the restaurant.
After an executive session last Tuesday, council said once Guerra met certain requirements, the city could take action on her request.
~ City Marshal Earl Heidelberg is working on an interlocal agreement with the county for animal control. The city’s animal control facility is currently open, and is operated by volunteers who pick up impounded dogs to place them with shelters or adoptive/foster homes.
~ Council unanimously agreed to enter negotiations with the county to purchase the property where City hall is located, and/or renew the lease.
“It’s worth pursuing,” Council Member DeAnna McCabe said.
Palmer said she had been working on the project for about four years.
“I agree with sending something [to the county] asking to either purchase or renew,” Palmer said.
The city’s current lease expires in 2029.
~ Council will convene for a budget workshop on Tuesday, March 31.
“We did some testing, unfortunately we didn’t do enough testing,” City of Bandera Public Works Director Terry Wells said.
The last test, completed in July 2025, registered citizen input, however Wells said more feedback is needed. Installed in the ‘40s, Wells said more buildings and traffic absorb the sound of the alarm, which has to be manually activated on the water tower.
“We need to test routinely, once per month,” Wells said. “You don’t want to do it too much, because it gets repetitive and people will start ignoring it.”
Wells added he is researching options for remote applications.
~ In other business, applications are being accepted for the city administrator’s position.
“I would really like to see somebody with experience running a municipality,” Council Member Lynn Palmer said. “We would not be starting over from scratch.”
Details about the posting are listed here.
~ Council delayed taking action on a reimbursement request from Arlene Guerra, of TJ’s at the Old Forge, for a lengthy repair she said interrupted business over the course of three months.
Guerra said the plumbing nuisance began in November, and liability was tossed back and forth numerous times between the city and Guerra’s plumber. Ultimately, the city accepted responsibility and a pipe replacement was completed in January, but Guerra said many business days were lost due to a grease overspill and foul sewer smell.
Requesting reimbursement for $775 in plumbing expenses, Guerra also asked the city to compensate her for lost daily sales while she was unable to open the restaurant.
After an executive session last Tuesday, council said once Guerra met certain requirements, the city could take action on her request.
~ City Marshal Earl Heidelberg is working on an interlocal agreement with the county for animal control. The city’s animal control facility is currently open, and is operated by volunteers who pick up impounded dogs to place them with shelters or adoptive/foster homes.
~ Council unanimously agreed to enter negotiations with the county to purchase the property where City hall is located, and/or renew the lease.
“It’s worth pursuing,” Council Member DeAnna McCabe said.
Palmer said she had been working on the project for about four years.
“I agree with sending something [to the county] asking to either purchase or renew,” Palmer said.
The city’s current lease expires in 2029.
~ Council will convene for a budget workshop on Tuesday, March 31.