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Bandera City Council members discuss funding future proposed sidewalks and improvements.
Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
July 20, 2026
Bandera City Council members press pause on proposed sidewalk project
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Plans are moving forward with the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Following a closed session during their regular July 14 meeting, Bandera City Council members unanimously approved authorizing City Administrator Toni Kunz to begin negotiations for a piece of property where the facility could be located.
Council members did not reach consensus, however, on moving forward with an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for sidewalks along Main Street from Sycamore to Cedar streets, and along Cherry Street from Hwy. 16 to 11th Street. The project also includes ADA curb ramps, pedestrian islands and crosswalks.
The resolution to apply for a Transportation Alternatives grant was approved by City Council May 20, 2025. The grant amount is $2,393,600; the cost of the project is $2,992,000; the city’s responsibility is $598,400.
“The sidewalk project is a good project for Main Street,” Council Member Lynn Palmer said.
Council members Debbie Breen and Tammy Ott Morrow expressed hesitation over funding the project; Council Member DeAnna McCabe asked where funding would come from.
“Money is tight right now,” Breen said.
Kunz said though the previous Economic Development Corporation board president stated funding the project was a possibility, it has not been brought for consideration before the present board. Current EDC Board President Kim McAleb, who was in attendance, asked to see a copy of the entire grant.
“We would love to enter into an agreement,” McAleb said, adding there was time to add the discussion to the next EDC meeting agenda. “Our entire board is very conscientious of what we’re approving.”
Breen asked if it was possible to cap costs once the project begins. Administrative Assistant Stephanie Biggs said the city would have to approve any change orders, however if the price increases, the city would be responsible.
“This started in 2023. The longer we take to do this, the more expensive it’s going to be,” Mayor Denise Griffin said.
Engineer Jake Gutekunst, with The Goodman Corporation, said the contract and scope of work could be amended through the design process.
“This is a huge commitment on the city. It’s a huge win, but we have a very small pot to pull from,” Kunz said. “I propose asking EDC if this is a viable thing they would consider funding. In the meantime, we could invite public input. I will point out this is a huge grant, something we worked extremely hard for. If we don’t do it, it will be a huge mark on us.”
The motion to table the item until receiving feedback from EDC carried 3-1, with McCabe opposed (Council Member Jeff Flowers was not in attendance).
The EDC was scheduled to discuss funding the city’s obligation on Tuesday, July 21, however the meeting has been canceled due to lack of quorum.
In other business, the city unanimously approved a request from local physical therapist Zane Jackson to host a PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament at Horseshoe Bend Disc Golf Course by City Park.
Jackson said he anticipates the family-friendly event, called the Cowboy Capital Classic, could attract between 40-50 players.
“The City of Victoria runs events that attract hundreds of players each year,” Jackson said, adding he hopes to make a Bandera tournament an annual event.
Kunz said the disc-golf course had never been rented out and is not on the city’s fee schedule.
“Let’s just see how it goes this year, then possibly look at the fee schedule for next year,” Kunz said.
Palmer’s motion to approve Jackson’s request with no fee this year passed unanimously.
Council members did not reach consensus, however, on moving forward with an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for sidewalks along Main Street from Sycamore to Cedar streets, and along Cherry Street from Hwy. 16 to 11th Street. The project also includes ADA curb ramps, pedestrian islands and crosswalks.
The resolution to apply for a Transportation Alternatives grant was approved by City Council May 20, 2025. The grant amount is $2,393,600; the cost of the project is $2,992,000; the city’s responsibility is $598,400.
“The sidewalk project is a good project for Main Street,” Council Member Lynn Palmer said.
Council members Debbie Breen and Tammy Ott Morrow expressed hesitation over funding the project; Council Member DeAnna McCabe asked where funding would come from.
“Money is tight right now,” Breen said.
Kunz said though the previous Economic Development Corporation board president stated funding the project was a possibility, it has not been brought for consideration before the present board. Current EDC Board President Kim McAleb, who was in attendance, asked to see a copy of the entire grant.
“We would love to enter into an agreement,” McAleb said, adding there was time to add the discussion to the next EDC meeting agenda. “Our entire board is very conscientious of what we’re approving.”
Breen asked if it was possible to cap costs once the project begins. Administrative Assistant Stephanie Biggs said the city would have to approve any change orders, however if the price increases, the city would be responsible.
“This started in 2023. The longer we take to do this, the more expensive it’s going to be,” Mayor Denise Griffin said.
Engineer Jake Gutekunst, with The Goodman Corporation, said the contract and scope of work could be amended through the design process.
“This is a huge commitment on the city. It’s a huge win, but we have a very small pot to pull from,” Kunz said. “I propose asking EDC if this is a viable thing they would consider funding. In the meantime, we could invite public input. I will point out this is a huge grant, something we worked extremely hard for. If we don’t do it, it will be a huge mark on us.”
The motion to table the item until receiving feedback from EDC carried 3-1, with McCabe opposed (Council Member Jeff Flowers was not in attendance).
The EDC was scheduled to discuss funding the city’s obligation on Tuesday, July 21, however the meeting has been canceled due to lack of quorum.
In other business, the city unanimously approved a request from local physical therapist Zane Jackson to host a PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament at Horseshoe Bend Disc Golf Course by City Park.
Jackson said he anticipates the family-friendly event, called the Cowboy Capital Classic, could attract between 40-50 players.
“The City of Victoria runs events that attract hundreds of players each year,” Jackson said, adding he hopes to make a Bandera tournament an annual event.
Kunz said the disc-golf course had never been rented out and is not on the city’s fee schedule.
“Let’s just see how it goes this year, then possibly look at the fee schedule for next year,” Kunz said.
Palmer’s motion to approve Jackson’s request with no fee this year passed unanimously.