Kerrville’s Economic Improvement Corp receives flood recovery update

The Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation praised city staff’s flood response efforts Monday while outlining extensive damage to parks and infrastructure from the July 4 disaster that killed 107 people in Kerr County.

EIC President Celeste Hamman commended City Manager Dalton Rice and Economic Development Manager Kelly Hagemeier for their response to the flooding and handling of “harsh national scrutiny” during the crisis.

“We want to be part of the recovery process, focusing on quality of life projects to help restore what residents value about Kerrville,” Hamman said during the meeting at City Hall.

Assistant City Manager Michael Hornes reported that the number of missing persons has dropped to three, though debris removal remains a “slow process.” The Texas Department of Emergency Management is expected to select contractors soon for debris removal on city and county roads, while the Texas Department of Transportation is already clearing state highways.

City officials outlined a debris separation plan requiring residents to sort materials for collection. Woody debris will be burned using an air curtain incinerator at former soccer fields, while construction debris will be transported to San Antonio via the landfill.

Park damage extensive

Guadalupe Park was “probably fully destroyed” by the flooding, officials said, with playground equipment requiring complete replacement. The river trail sustained significant damage, including the loss of a bridge section above Veterans Highway that will need rebuilding.

Initial insurance estimates for city damage range from $3 million to $11 million, with a $5 million cap on payouts. Long-term park reconstruction plans will involve public input and environmental impact considerations.

Officials deemed dewatering Nimitz Lake for search operations or contamination dredging unfeasible and costly, though they noted major floods typically cleanse lakes of silt while leaving behind contaminants like vehicles and propane tanks.

Recovery coordination underway

Kerrville Economic Development Corporation President Todd Bock detailed the formation of the “Kerr Together” task force, led by former Mayor Judy Eychner, which has created websites and business intake forms to identify damaged businesses and their needs.

Local banks are assisting businesses with Small Business Administration and other relief program applications, while KEDC is developing a long-term recovery plan addressing temporary housing and broader community needs through town hall meetings.

Project updates

Several major city projects remain on track despite the disaster:

• Cailloux Theater: The $3.1 million roof and HVAC replacement project is scheduled for completion by Aug. 31 and “staying well within budget.” A change order addressed sprinkler repairs, fire-retardant stage drapes and proscenium arch repainting.
• Olympic Pool: JK Bernhard was awarded the renovation contract, with demolition paperwork being processed. The pool aims to reopen by Memorial Day 2026, though it “might be a couple weeks behind.” The project has contingency funds within its $7.75 million budget.
• Scott Schreiner Golf Course: Construction continues with grass growing and golf carts expected soon.
• A.C. Schreiner House: Construction nears its estimated October 2025 completion, with discussions underway for decorative safety fencing.

Financial update

June sales tax revenue reached $475,542, up 12% from the previous year, bringing the year-to-date total to $3.8 million. Assistant Director of Finance Trina Rodriguez attributed the increase partly to two large payers remitting two months of taxes in one payment.

Total project expenses for June totaled $1.7 million, including significant payouts for the Cailloux Theater ($1.46 million), Scott Schreiner Golf Course ($154,000) and Olympic Pool ($39,000).

The EIC postponed its fiscal year 2026 budget presentation to August due to ongoing flood-related work and coordination with KEDC.

The EIC board also turned away a Texas Parks and Wildlife planning grant for Granger McDonald Park because grant terms would prohibit motorized boats on Nimitz Lake, the city’s drinking water source.