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Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
August 3, 2026
Bandera City Council members review flood response, city permit fees
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
The City of Bandera incurred approximately $260,000 in damages from July’s flood event, based on calculations by the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
Most of the damage is road erosion, City Administrator Toni Kunz told council members during last Tuesday’s regular meeting. Hinged to the county’s overall damage assessment, which as of last week was estimated at $850,000 and $300,000 worth of emergency repairs, if TDEM funding is approved, it could be up to two years before monies are released.
Kunz praised Bandera County’s Emergency Management Coordinator Judy Lefevers, as well as key city/county personnel who monitored the situation 24/7.
“It was manned all night long,” Kunz said. “Overall, we fared really well. No loss of life. For us, it was very routine flooding…if the rain had moved to the east, we would have been like our neighbors.”
Kunz said though Bandera County Judge Richard Evans ordered evacuations of low-lying waterfront RV parks, there was some resistance from residents.
“Some people flat out refused. It is not fair to our first responders… It’s not just themselves they effect,” Kunz said, adding one park owner needed assistance from the city to move an RV since its owner was out of state. “[The RVs] cause damage downstream when they hit bridges and low water crossings.”
Kunz said the flood exposed the need for floodplain review and management. She said some long-term RV residents with decks and attachments may not fit the specific criteria of certain parks within the floodplain.
“They need to be able to evacuate quickly,” Kunz said.
Council will also review the city’s fee schedule for next year. Proposed increases and permits include those for fencing, outdoor burning, and stray and lost animal services. Kunz, who was asked to review the comprehensive fee schedule, said required permits create a process for communication, safety and transparency.
“The general public these days is not as conscientious about what they build and where they build it. This allows us to have a conversation,” Kunz said, adding people may not know where all of the utility lines and water meters. “The permit allows us to ensure they are doing their due diligence, being responsible with digging, and have communicated with their neighbors.”
~ In other business, council members are seeking applicants for the Planning and Zoning Board. An advisory board to council, the P&Z typically meets once per month. Members may be county or city residents. Applications are online at banderatx.gov.
~ The city will check availability at the Best Western to hold a town hall meeing Town Hall for the TA Grant objectives in August or September.
~ Due to scheduling conflicts, the city’s regular Aug. 11 meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m., during a scheduled budget workshop.
Most of the damage is road erosion, City Administrator Toni Kunz told council members during last Tuesday’s regular meeting. Hinged to the county’s overall damage assessment, which as of last week was estimated at $850,000 and $300,000 worth of emergency repairs, if TDEM funding is approved, it could be up to two years before monies are released.
Kunz praised Bandera County’s Emergency Management Coordinator Judy Lefevers, as well as key city/county personnel who monitored the situation 24/7.
“It was manned all night long,” Kunz said. “Overall, we fared really well. No loss of life. For us, it was very routine flooding…if the rain had moved to the east, we would have been like our neighbors.”
Kunz said though Bandera County Judge Richard Evans ordered evacuations of low-lying waterfront RV parks, there was some resistance from residents.
“Some people flat out refused. It is not fair to our first responders… It’s not just themselves they effect,” Kunz said, adding one park owner needed assistance from the city to move an RV since its owner was out of state. “[The RVs] cause damage downstream when they hit bridges and low water crossings.”
Kunz said the flood exposed the need for floodplain review and management. She said some long-term RV residents with decks and attachments may not fit the specific criteria of certain parks within the floodplain.
“They need to be able to evacuate quickly,” Kunz said.
Council will also review the city’s fee schedule for next year. Proposed increases and permits include those for fencing, outdoor burning, and stray and lost animal services. Kunz, who was asked to review the comprehensive fee schedule, said required permits create a process for communication, safety and transparency.
“The general public these days is not as conscientious about what they build and where they build it. This allows us to have a conversation,” Kunz said, adding people may not know where all of the utility lines and water meters. “The permit allows us to ensure they are doing their due diligence, being responsible with digging, and have communicated with their neighbors.”
~ In other business, council members are seeking applicants for the Planning and Zoning Board. An advisory board to council, the P&Z typically meets once per month. Members may be county or city residents. Applications are online at banderatx.gov.
~ The city will check availability at the Best Western to hold a town hall meeing Town Hall for the TA Grant objectives in August or September.
~ Due to scheduling conflicts, the city’s regular Aug. 11 meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m., during a scheduled budget workshop.