Waelder calls for Nov. 4 special election, cannot adopt tax rate until new members seated

The Waelder City Council approved every item on its Tuesday, Aug. 12 agenda, addressed the recent resignation of its police chief administrator, and postponed setting a 2025 tax rate until two vacant council seats are filled in a November special election.

During his report, Acting City Manager Adolph Gonzales told the council the police chief administrator had been placed on administrative leave at the beginning of July, prior to the last council meeting, “due to discrepancies found in his job handling.”

The chief resigned shortly afterward. Gonzales said the city is now working to find a replacement, but background checks for each applicant can take 30 to 60 days to complete.

The meeting opened with quick approval of the July 8 meeting minutes, July paid invoices, and financial reports. The police department’s monthly report noted recent arrests, citations, and warnings, as well as ongoing work to address frequent loose-horse calls.

Council formally called for a Nov. 4 special election to fill the two vacant at-large seats and approved the election service contract with Gonzales County. Members accepted the city’s 2025 appraisal roll and received the No-New-Revenue and Voter Approval tax rate calculations, but could not propose a new tax rate.

The city attorney explained that, under Texas law, adopting a tax rate requires a quorum of four council members. Per the city attorney with two vacancies, the current members are required to “hold over” until their replacements are sworn in after the November election per the Texas Constitution. However, if they do not attend meetings, they cannot be counted for a quorum. Until then, last year’s tax rate will apply by default.

The council appointed a liaison, Felipe Martinez, for the City Park Walking Trail project and voted to participate in the Gonzales County Memorial Wall project. During discussion of the wall, Donald Kincaid voiced concern that the county-led effort was focused solely on the county seat and excluded other cities. He has been working to have them included as it is a “county memorial” The city attorney advised that public funds cannot be gifted directly to a private entity. Council approved participation pending legal review, with a funding cap of $2,000.

Council also voted to name the Waelder City Park Splash Pad in honor of former Mayor Roy Tovar and to purchase a memorial plaque. The local Lions Club has already purchased a brick in Tovar’s honor and will coordinate with the city for a combined dedication.

In an addendum item, council approved an interlocal agreement with Gonzales County, Waelder ISD, and TxDOT to work jointly on projects including a parking lot and the splash pad. Gonzales reported that construction on the splash pad is expected to begin in November or December.

Other approved actions included renewing a municipal maintenance agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation, selling surplus city equipment, and awarding a $1,500 contract to repaint the City Public Works building and flag. Employees with at least one year of service will receive a 7 percent cost-of-living increase — the city’s first in several years. While most cities average 3–3.5 percent annually, officials said the higher amount was justified after the long gap without an adjustment.

Gonzales also updated the council on ongoing projects and city operations. The wastewater project has been completed, the environmental review for a water well grant is finished, and the city has applied for a $25,000 park grant that will be allocated to park improvements where the money will be best spent. Mosquito spraying remains restricted by wind speed regulations, and the city has begun sending code enforcement letters to address overgrown properties, which contribute to mosquito problems. On the utility side, more than $63,000 remains outstanding from delinquent accounts, with just over $374 collected since late May. Payment arrangements are being offered, especially for customers with high bills from leaks.

In executive session, council approved increasing Gonzales’s pay by $5 per hour while he continues serving as Acting City Manager.

Despite the delay in adopting a 2025 tax rate, city leaders emphasized the decision will be made once a full council is seated, ensuring compliance with state law and the city’s long-term financial stability.