SATX-NEM: Impact 10/21/2025

In the Nov. 4 election, voters will be deciding the future of Northeast San Antonio’s school districts, as residents in both Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City and Judson ISDs will see voter-approval tax rate elections, or VATREs, on the ballot.

Zooming in: According to the Texas American Federation of Teachers, a VATRE allows school districts to generate supplemental revenue by levying property taxes beyond a maximum compressed tax rate calculated by the Texas Education Agency.

Through the VATRE, SCUCISD and JISD will look to raise their property tax rates by $0.12 and $0.045 per $100 valuation, respectively. This would raise $17.15 million for SCUCISD and approximately $21 million for JISD, according to the districts’ financial staff. SCUCISD aims to fund projects in departments such as band and fine arts, while JISD seeks to reduce budget shortfalls.

A new, locally owned salon has opened in northeast San Antonio, offering a variety of specialty beauty services.

The details: Bella Donna & Co. opened on Oct. 15 at 8328 Pat Booker Road in Live Oak. The salon is locally owned by Christina Lichtenberg and was previously located in Garden Ridge. Lichtenberg said her new space is a larger and will be better for customers.

What they offer: Lichtenberg said Bella Donna & Co. is a full service salon, which offers manicures, pedicures and facials. Bella Donna Co. also offers hair styling, coloring, lash extensions and lash enhancements.

Quote of note: Lichtenberg said she is excited to be serving more new clients and longtime customers in Live Oak.

"This is our pride and joy," she said.

• 8328 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak

Crisis Center of Comal County is making progress on its transitional housing facility.

"The importance of this center is to give a home to those who lost their home, and a hope of reestablishing their own permanent place that they can call home without fear of violence," Chief Executive Officer Julie Strentzsch said.

A quick note: The nonprofit organization works to embrace survivors of trauma and empowers them to positively change the trajectory of their lives through safe, compassionate wraparound services, Strentzsch said. Because the nonprofit organization has yet to name the building, the project is being called The Center.

“We are seeking individuals who are interested in naming rights,” she said.

Latest update: The three-story transitional housing project will have a total of 26 living units. There will be seven three-bedroom units on the third floor, along with five units for individuals needing shelter with large families on the second floor. The center will also provide 13 individual living units, Strentzsch said.

Schertz City Council approved a $440,000 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for street resurfacing projects Oct. 14.

Some details: The engineering and consulting firm will work on the design and bid packaging for the 2026 SPAM Resurfacing and Savannah Drive Resurfacing projects, according to agenda documents.

The SPAM Resurfacing—an annual project for the city—will consist of resurfacing streets in the Fairway Ridge, Woodland Oaks and Horseshoe Oaks subdivisions. A similar project will take place along Savannah Drive from the Schertz/Selma city limits to FM 3009. The projected total cost for 2026 SPAM Resurfacing is $8.43 million, while the Savannah Drive project is projected to cost $1.46 million, according to agenda documents. Kimley-Horn and Associates will also work on the design and bidding for three new pedestrian crossings.

Next steps: Although there is no construction timeframe from the 2026 SPAM Resurfacing or crosswalk projects, the Savannah Drive project is estimated for to be complete in fall 2026, according to agenda documents.

As water restrictions and shortages become more common in Texas communities, state lawmakers are asking voters to approve $20 billion to fund new water supply projects and improve existing systems over the next 20 years.

The overview: If voters approve State Proposition 4, which is on the November ballot, the state will create a dedicated funding stream to help local utilities access more water and upgrade their infrastructure. Without the new funding, Texas’ water crisis could deepen, experts say.

“We’ve got 1,500+ people moving to Texas every day, and not one of them is bringing a single drop of water with them,” Dean Sharp, who leads the management division of the Texas American Water Works Association, said Oct. 16.

Key takeaway: Despite the $1 billion annual price tag, Proposition 4 would not create any new state taxes or increase costs for Texans, lawmakers and experts said. Beginning in 2027, the money would come from existing sales tax revenue and be deposited in the Texas Water Fund, a state account that voters approved in 2023.