The Lead Live Podcast: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 episode

The Sept. 10 episode of The Lead Live, co-hosted by Louis Amestoy and Libbie Horton, featured discussions on government, finance, flood recovery, and community initiatives.

The city council approved a temporary disaster tax rate increase of 7.98 percent, expected to generate an additional $336,000 for flood recovery. City leaders are also addressing significant financial challenges, including borrowing for new police vehicles and fixing an employee health insurance issue. Inflation figures, including a negative producer inflation number, suggest the Federal Reserve may soon cut interest rates.

Controversy surrounds woody debris removal, with accusations that mulch piles are being hauled out of Kerr County for commercial profit, despite local farmers’ interest in keeping the material for composting. Cadaver dogs have also detected hits in the Ingram Lake area, possibly related to two missing individuals.

Community and non-profit initiatives included Kerrville Pets Alive’s free pet wellness event and fundraiser, Corey Miller’s “Paddle Kerrville Forward” fundraiser to replace kayaking equipment lost in the July 4 flood, and Together with Hill Country Veterans’ “Walk to Honor and Remember” event.

Arts and culture events highlighted the 40th anniversary of the Jimmie Rodgers tribute, the kickoff of National Hispanic Heritage Month with various events, Arcadia Live’s free dance classes, film showings, and concerts, and Hillshapes’ community dance project “Dance Kerr.”