Garden Ridge approved a $1.83 monthly trash-rate increase, adopted new public-works standards and deferred action on a $2.64 million Old Nacogdoches Road reconstruction. The July 1 minutes record the votes.
Residential trash bills rose from $37.60 to $39.43 with the August 2026 billing cycle, while the council tabled the Old Nacogdoches Road decision after reviewing a full-reconstruction estimate. The agenda packet supplies the rate table and engineering study behind those actions.
Before the July actions, the city charged $37.60 per month for residential trash service, rated its segment of Old Nacogdoches Road among the network’s poorest pavement and operated a 3,216-square-foot library. The meeting followed a June budget session in which the city’s early 2027 tax estimate remained flat.
Trash Rate and Infrastructure Rules
Council approved Ordinance 143-072026 and Republic Services’ 4.86% annual rate adjustment by a 4-0 vote. The packet says the contract allows an annual adjustment tied to the consumer price index and service costs; the change was passed through to residential customers rather than absorbed by the city budget.
The adopted Public Works Specifications Manual sets minimum standards for streets, drainage, water, sewer, driveways, traffic impacts and construction-plan review. Council approved Ordinance 251-072026 by a 4-0 vote after a public hearing.
A Road Decision Deferred
Trihydro’s study recommends full reconstruction for the city-owned part of Old Nacogdoches Road, using pavement designed for roughly 4.15 million equivalent single-axle loads over 20 years. Its average estimates total $2,635,532 for Option 1 and $2,932,840 for Option 2, including engineering, construction administration and a 30% contingency.
Council tabled action on the Old Nacogdoches Road feasibility study until additional information becomes available. That leaves the pavement choice, funding plan and timing for another public agenda.
Library, Strategy and Budget
Council voted 4-0 to support fundraising for a potential Garden Ridge Library expansion without committing city money. The packet describes a roughly $1.2 million concept that would add about 5,278 square feet to the existing 3,216-square-foot building, producing an approximately 8,494-square-foot facility.
Council approved a half-day strategic-planning workshop with Clear Career Professionals for a fixed $3,300 fee, with the date to be determined. The minutes also record a fiscal 2027 workshop covering the general fund, water fund, capital projects, budget goals and upcoming budget meetings.
The July workshop continued budget work already visible in the June record, after an earlier budget change redirected water funding and delayed the Vista Ridge tie-in.
Other Recorded Actions
Council approved the June 3 meeting minutes. Council approved the June 17 meeting minutes. Council accepted the May 31 financial statement and management analysis. Council approved the Bexar Metro 9-1-1 fiscal 2026 plan and budget. Council designated the Comal County tax assessor-collector to calculate the city’s 2026 tax rates. The consent slate passed 4-0.
What Comes Next
The next public checkpoints are a future Old Nacogdoches Road agenda, the scheduled strategic workshop, any separate library-funding request and the city’s next fiscal 2027 budget action. The official meeting record also gives residents access to the archived meeting video and documents.
Residents checking the July 1 agenda can match each numbered item to the detailed packet and then use the final minutes to verify the motions and votes.