Fair Oaks Ranch City Council is one step closer to approval of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and tax rate following a Sept. 15 special meeting and public hearing.
Breaking it down: Director of Finance Summer Fleming said in the FY 2025-26 budget, there is a projected $583,987 change in revenue from FY 2024-25. Fleming said a $744,137 increase in operating expenditures is projected for the fiscal year.
Despite the increases, the general fund, which covers city operations and staff salaries, is expected to be balanced at the end of the fiscal year.
City council also held a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance for the FY 2025-26 tax rate, at $0.28530 per $100 valuation. This rate is unchanged from the previous year.
For the average homeowner, the tax bill will increase from $1,949 to $2,036 per year, representing an $87 increase. This increase is calculated using average home appraisal values, and tax bill changes will vary depending on property value.
Median home prices increase year over year in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch
The most recent data compiled by the San Antonio Board of Realtors shows home prices increasing year over year in the Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch area.
Zooming in: The median home sales price for Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch was above $600,000 in August, according to the data. In the 78006 ZIP code, median home prices increased by 14.43%, while the 78015 ZIP code increased by nearly 13%.
The gist: Year-over-year, the average days homes spent on the market increased by 20.25% in the 78006 ZIP code, and decreased by 43.04% in the 78015 ZIP code.
Claw machines, tacos and more: 7 new businesses now open in North San Antonio
Here's the latest rundown of the newest businesses that have opened in North San Antonio.
Everyone Eyecare The new optometrist offers standard optometry procedures and exams, including vision testing, eye check-ups, contact lens consultations and therapeutic treatments.
3643 E. Evans Road, Ste. 103, San Antonio
Crunch Fitness This gym chain has a standard 24/7 gym membership experience with treadmills, free weights and machines, along with fitness classes.
10103 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio
HTeaO The tea chain is known for its many tea varieties and specialty iced and hot coffee, alongside the make-your-own tea bar.
1638 NE Loop 410, San Antonio
Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express A new joint restaurant between the two brands is now open, serving specialty burgers, wings, rice bowls and more.
13480 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio
Tacos On The Street This new Mexican spot has a menu with carne asada street tacos and cuisine from the city of Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Alpha School showcases expedited student learning through artificial intelligence alongside state, federal leaders
Austin-based private school Alpha School is aiming to expedite learning for more students using artificial intelligence at new academies opening across the country.
What happened: On Sept. 9, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Alpha School in Austin alongside Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. Alpha School co-founder MacKenzie Price highlighted how the school is using AI to personalize and improve students’ education.
What they're saying:“It's the most exciting thing I've seen in education in a long time,” McMahon said about Alpha School. “I'm incredibly enthusiastic about this.”
How it works: Students complete their academic learning in two hours each day using an AI platform known as 2 Hour Learning. Price said the Alpha School model enables students to learn twice as fast as they would in a traditional school setting.
The update: Alpha School opened several new academies across the United States this school year, including a K-3 school in Plano and K-8 school in Fort Worth. The company is planning to open an academy in Houston this winter.
