The city of New Braunfels will hold a grant application public hearing on Sept. 24 to gather feedback on its application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, or ORLP, Program for proposed improvements to County Line Memorial Trail.

What residents need to know: The grant application is for fiscal year 2027 and works to support efforts to create new outdoor recreation opportunities, revitalize parks and strengthen connections between residents and nature, according to a city news release.

City officials are encouraging residents to provide input on the project’s floodplain components and potential environmental impacts. 

• Sept. 24, 1 p.m.

• Fischer Park Nature Education Center, 1946 Monarch Way, New Braunfels

A locally owned toy shop has changed ownership in New Braunfels.

The details: Scoop Street Owners Ashley Landerman and her husband, Peter, who goes by Pete, took ownership of Got Toys on July 1. Ashley Landerman, who also co-owns 2tarts Bakery, said the previous owner of Got Toys, Stacey Barcell, wanted to sell the business to someone who cared about the brand and would carry on its legacy.

"We have been huge fans of the stores for many years," Ashley Landerman said. "Pete and I jumped at the opportunity."

What they offer: Got Toys offers a selection of toys, children's books, fidgets, games and puzzles. Ashley Landerman said they are planning to add more items to their inventory in the future.

• Locations:

  • 180 W. Mill St., New Braunfels

  • 1714 Hunter Road, New Braunfels

  • 202 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos

Popular boot and workwear brand Timberland will soon be opening a new location in the San Marcos Premium Outlets.

The full story: The company, known for its iconic waterproof leather boots, will be opening a second San Marcos outlet location. The new store will be just across the street from the existing business, located in the Tanger Outlets.

An opening date for the store has not been announced, but the San Marcos Premium Outlets has included the new location on its website.

Also of note: In addition to the classic, durable boots made for outdoor use, Timberland offers workwear and apparel for men and women.

• Opening TBD

• San Marcos Premium Outlets, 3939 N. I-35, San Marcos

The San Marcos CISD board of trustees adopted a new tax rate for fiscal year 2026-27. The new rate features a reduction from the previous year’s rate, decreasing the amount taxpayers will owe each month.

The full story: The board adopted a tax rate of $0.8902 per $100 of taxable value during a Sept. 21 meeting, reducing the overall rate by 12.5 cents from the fiscal year 2025-26 rate of $1.0152 per $100 of taxable value.

The yearly taxes owed for a property worth $250,000 in taxable value will be reduced by approximately $312.50 if the taxable value remains the same as in FY 2025-26, said SMCISD Board Member Juan Miguel Arredondo in a statement.

The details: The total tax rate is composed of the Maintenance and Operations, or M&O, rate and the Interest and Sinking, or I&S, rate.