Category: Devine City Council Meetings

The people have let their voices be heard again as Butch Cook victoriously won the City of Devine Mayor race by a landslide vote of 502 to 107, defeating the incumbent Cory Thompson.
It was the largest turnout for the city elections in quite some time. This year 609 residents came out to vote as the campaigns heated up, increasing the voter turnout to 140% compared to two years ago (436).
Butch Cook took the lead during early voting with 348 votes to Cory’s 74. On election day, Cook received 154 to Thompson’s 33.
Back in 2021, a total of 436 people voted in City Elections (with Cory Thompson narrowly defeating Kevin Hicks 229 to 207 in 2021).
“For the last two and a half months I have been knocking on doors, meeting as many people as I can. From past experiences on the Devine City Council I’m very aware that if there were simple solutions there wouldn’t be a problem, but I’m ready and eager for this new challenge! It is an incredible honor that the voters in our city are allowing me to do so,” said Butch Cook.
Cook’s campaign promises included:
-Make our city’s water system the top priority. -Aggressively pursue a City Administrator, and remove requirements that are hindering the process.
-Restore order and civility to the city meetings, and ensure all council members are informed on agenda issues in a timely manner.
-Show transparency and accountability -when and where taxpayer money is spent.
-Bring back the lines of communication between the city and the citizens that we are here to serve.
Cook brings his leadership skills to the office from his 7 years on the City Council, 5 years as President of Devine Little League, 7 years as President of South Texas Basketball Officials Association, 8 years as Men’s Basketball Coach at Palo Alto College, and 38 years as a Business Owner in Devine ( Image Matters and South Texas Trophies), and multiple days volunteering with organizations including Mission Devine, Chamber of Commerce, DYSA, and Devine ISD Committees.
A little history…
Thompson served as an Alderman for District 5 before being appointed the Mayor after Bill Herring resigned, and then winning the election two times, against Pichardo and then Hicks.
According to The Devine News files (July 19, 2019): District 5 Councilman Cory Thompson was appointed mayor during an emergency meeting of the Devine City Council held on Friday, July 19, following Bill Herring’s sudden resignation from the position.
After District 2 Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Lopez said he was not interested in taking over as mayor, District 3 Councilman David Espinosa nominated Thompson. Lopez provided the second, and the motion carried with the support of District 1 Councilman David Valdez and District 4 Councilwoman Jennifer Schott.
Then, council later appointed a resident of District 5 to fill Thompson’s seat on the Council. Debbie Randall was appointed in September 2019 as recommended by Thompson as someone who would vote like him for that district.
District 5
In the uncontested District 5 election Debbie Randall received 168 votes. (In 2021 that district election drew 201 voters, 128 for Randall and 73 for Kevin Stephens.)
All terms are two year terms. All of the May 2023 Election Results are considered unofficial results until they have been canvassed.
Problems at the polls…
Errors prevented at least 6 residents to vote in the District 2 race in City of Devine
In the District 2 race, unofficial tallies show Michael Hernandez receiving 47 votes to incumbent Angela Pichardo’s 42, a difference of five votes.
There were errors in District 2 voting cards reported in the first couple days of voting, as announced by the City of Devine last week, stating that six voters were not allowed to vote in the District 2 election. As a result, the District 2 election could be contested.
The City of Devine sent out a public notice as soon as the issue was discovered to let the public know that there were 201 voters whose residency was inaccurately listed. After the clerical error was discovered, the City found 6 voters that had been denied the right to vote in the District 2 race. From that point on, election judges were very careful to look over every voter card and make sure that people who live in District 2 were able to vote in the District 2 race by comparing addresses to the most recent redistricting maps.
Last week, Medina County Elections Administrator Lupe Torres explained that “As for how the incorrect precinct/districts were assigned, it was due to a clerical error made during the redistricting process.”
According to City of Devine Interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez, if a candidate wants to protest this contest, the candidate will be responsible for filing a lawsuit.
“After contacting our Attorney Tom Cate and the attorney at the Secretary of State’s Office, I told both candidates when I called them to let them know about the election situation, and that whoever lost the election, they would have to file a lawsuit at their cost for the election protest.  The court would determine if the city needs to hold a special election.”
In response to the incident, Angela Pichardo stated, “We will seek remedies to investigate who’s Responsibility and negligent actions caused the errors. I do not want to create a separation in District 2 since we have worked so hard to unify the community as a whole, but if laws have been violated, we must make sure EVERYONE’S Right to Vote is Given and those responsible be Accountable. This is an example of the needed changes in City Government. I want to Thank all the citizens that came out to vote as we had a record number and I want to wish the New Leader of our City much Success and Progress for Devine….I want to make sure that voters were not cheated out of their right to vote.”
In this year’s election, Pichardo had a small lead after early voting with 38 to Hernandez 36. Election Day, Hernandez took the lead with 11 votes to her 4. Totals were Hernandez 36+11= 47, to Pichardo’s 38+ 4= 42.
Back in 2021, Pichardo was first elected to the position by defeating Maria Pena 32 to 18. Voter turnout almost doubled in this district this year.
All of the May 2023 Election Results are considered unofficial results until they have been canvassed.

City of Devine- Vote at City Hal, 303 S. Teel, Devine
Vote For or Against
Bond Election- $15.02 Million for drainage and flood control
Everyone can vote in the Bond election
Everyone can vote in mayoral race.
Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook
District 2 and 5 get to vote in their races as well
Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez
Dist 5 – Debbie Randall
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; May 1-2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting one Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Applications for Ballots by Mail (ABBMs) must be received no later than the close of business on April 25, 2023.

Devine ISD- Polling locations in both Medina and Frio Counties
Vote For or Against
Proposition A – 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall
Proposition B – 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County Polls voting at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building this year (317 TX-132 N, Devine).
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm; May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Frio County Polls-voting at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472, Bigfoot, TX 78005
April 24-28, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; April 29, 2023 (Early Voting) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and May 1-2, 2023 (Early Voting) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Medina County- Vote at Medina County Precinct 4 Annex Building
(across from Tractor Supply)
Voters can vote in the ESD District elections, where they are registered to vote.
Medina County ESD 2 – (Devine Fire area) – add 1.25 % to sales tax
Medina County ESD 5 – (Natalia Fire area) – add 1.25% to sales tax
Medina County ESD 4 – (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax
ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax
*Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
ESD 2, 4, and 5 – All Voting at County Building:
Election day: May 6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday April 29 9am-2pm and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May 6, 2023 (Election Day) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lytle ISD- Vote for one or none, Single Member District 2
Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales , and one write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport.
Voting in a trustee for Single Member District 2. (Voters must vote in the Single Member District where they are registered to vote.)
Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting the special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline.
Polling places:
Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx.
Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx.
Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N. , Devine, Tx.
Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S. , Castroville, Tx.
Early Voting weekdays: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29 9am-2pm.
Election Day: May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Lytle – cancelled election due to uncontested races.
Natalia City/Schools – no elections
LaCoste City – no elections

Several city leaders changed their tune after citizens voiced their concerns about rushing into a bond election without many details, and overall cost and tax bill impact. This past week, the Devine City Council voted unanimously to cancel the $15 Million Bond Election for drainage projects.

A video on Devine News YouTube, shows the bond presentation given by Mayor Cory Thompson at a special meeting this past February 2nd when three council members voted to go out for the $15 Million Dollar Bond/Drainage Project, after choosing from a “wish list” handed out by the mayor.
Voting to put the $15 million drainage bond on the ballot were council members Debbie Randall, Flipper Vega, and David Espinosa, with encouragement from Mayor Cory Thompson to put it to a vote, who stated “If people don’t want this they can vote it down.”
 Then a Espinosa-Randall motion to approve it passed (3-2), with Josh Ritchey and Angela Pichardo voting against it.
Two public hearings were held where citizens questioned the priority need for such drainage projects and pushed for more details.
Before ballots were printed, a special meeting was called to discuss the cancellation of the bond, and this time all council members voted in favor of cancelling the bond issue.
There will still be an election for Mayor of Devine between incumbent Cory Thompson and Butch Cook. District 2 Councilwoman Angela Pichardo re-filed for office also, and will be challenged by Michael Hernandez for that position. Councilwoman District 5 Debbie Randall is unopposed.
Election Day is May 6, but early voting starts April 24.

By Anton Riecher and Kathleen Calame
Citizens took the opportunity at a public hearing on March 28 to expressed frustrations, concerns and questioned the Devine City Council and Mayor about the upcoming $15 Million dollar drainage bond that the voters are being asked to pass on May 6, 2023 with a substantial tax increase.
Topics addressed by the public ranged from the possible negative impact such a tax rate hike is expected to have on citizens and businesses, driving away new business, how the overall project benefits a relatively small number of homes , to the long term limitations imposed by the state on municipal tax rates. Concerns were expressed over the priority and slow progress to finish the asbestos water line project already underway to insure clean and safe drinking water to the whole community, plus the lack of funds available if the bond passes to take care of such projects if needed.
Time rules challenged
With the deciding tie vote called by Mayor Cory Thompson, the Devine City Council rejected a motion to extend the time available to give citizens commenting from five to 20 minutes during a public hearing on a proposed $15 million flood improvement bond issue. Each citizen was cut off after 5 minutes.
“If council wants to change the rules then we need to actually go in and change the rules,” Thompson said following the split vote March 28.
The $15.020 million bond issue involves drainage and flood control improvements to better channelize water entering Burnt Boot Creek. Principally, the project would mitigate flooding issues between Colonial Parkway to Howell Street affecting 32 homes and structures within the 100-year flood plain.
For complete video coverage of the public hearing visit the Devine News’ YouTube channel at youtube/3elazU9_fR8.
At the second of two public meetings on the bond issue proposed for the May 6 election ballot, Thompson opened by addressing the recent controversy over time allowed for public comment.
“I’ve talked to legal counsel (City Attorney Thomas Cate) for the past couple of weeks,” Thompson said. “He has recommended that I follow standard city policy instead of something slightly different when conducting a meeting.”
In the past, Thompson said he had always allowed three minutes for public comment. However, a review of the actual city code written in 2007 places a five minute limit on such comment.
“And that’s what we’re going to do tonight,” Thompson said.
Council previously permitted three-minutes uninterrupted for each individual to address the council. By contrast, the five minutes would include breaks for response from council members and the city staff, With regard to items on the regular session agenda, individuals are permitted to make questions now as each topic is discussed.
Following the first speaker Frances Navarro who was cut off at the five minute mark, District 4 Council Member Josh Ritchey asked if the council could extend the time limit further. Cate told Ritchey that the council was free to vote on the matter.
“I make a motion that we extend the amount of time that citizens have to speak at this public hearing to 20 minutes or until we run out of time tonight,” Ritchey said. The motion was seconded by District 2 Council Member Angela Pichardo.
However, District 3 Council Member David Espinosa and District 5 Council Member Debbie Randall voted against the motion. With District 1 Council Member Ruffino Vega absent, the deciding tie vote went to Thompson.
Thompson said, “Motion fails”.
Tax Bills would rise drastically
Michelle Berdeaux, Chief Appraiser of the Atascosa County Appraisal District is a Devine resident who lives on Jack Nicklaus. She asked for clarification on a comment at a previous meeting by the representative of SAMCO Capital Markets, the city’s financial consultants, that the project would cap the municipal tax rate at $1 per $100 valuation.
“I believe the public is being misled. According to the Texas Municipal League municipal property tax rates for cities of 5,000 population and less are limited by the Texas Constitution, Article 6, Section 4 and 5, to a maximum tax rate of $1.50 per $100 of assessed valuation. As of 2022, Devine’s population stands at 4,349, Berdeaux said.
“So my concern is that if you’re maxing out your tax rate at $1 I believe, if I’m not mistaken, that’s your interest and sinking fund,” she said. “But the whole combined city tax rate can be up to $1.50. If we’re combining all of our resources into this project … I think I read somewhere it’s going to help 25 homes I believe and a couple of streets, okay, for the next 20 years what are we going to do about our services.
“We’re going to have to go up on our tax rate to pay our police officers, city employees, public works personnel,” Berdeaux said.
For example, she said that the 20-year estimated cost for Mayor Thompson on his new home built in 2022 and not at market value because it was under construction, at a tax rate of $1.50 per $100 valuation, would be $44,213, she said.
“Your tax bill, if it were at its regular amount would go from a current tax of $549.54 annually to $2009.70,” Berdeaux said. She also reported that the annual tax rate on Randall’s home would potentially rise from $671 annually to $2,254.73.
“That’s almost a $50,000 investment out of your pocket for these 25 homes.” Berdeaux said.
Berdeaux’s own tax bill would rise $94,000 over that same period, she said.
“I don’t think this has been brought and discussed with the public enough for us to put it on the ballot. I don’t believe it has been put out to the public effectively so everybody understands what this is actually going to do to their pocket book”, she said.
“In this economy, with the property values increasing annually you’re going to do this to your home owners,” she said. “You’re going to kill your businesses. Nobody is going to pay a tax rate like that to come here. They’re going to go to Lytle. They’re going to go to any other city but Devine, Texas, at a $1.50.”
The only way to offset rising property taxes is to increase sales tax revenue, Berdeaux said. “You are not going to get a business in here at $1.50. Poteet almost died at $1.10,” she said. “They’re still at $1.02. Over 10 years they’ve been over a $1. So explain to the public what you’re doing to them. Because it isn’t just one tax rate. What’s going to happen with the school and the county and everybody else.”
“You can shake your head no, but that’s a dollar amount for every citizen in this city and you are going to cause an increase in your delinquency rate, cause an increase in foreclosures. People are going to move and you aren’t going to be able to pay for this because there won’t be a tax base. You are going to kill it, dead in the water,” she said.
“Put that out to your property owners before they come out to vote”, said Berdeaux.
Asked by Thompson to address the $1 cap concern, Mark McLiney of SAMCO Capital Markets said that “some of the facts (Berdeaux) discussed were accurate.” The maximum tax rate for a city the size of Devine is $1.50 per $100 valuation.

“Now there are lots of different ways to get there,” McLiney said. “On debt, the max that the attorney general will allow on debt is $1”
If the city council authorizes the bond issue the total debt rate for the city’s existing bonds and the proposed new ones would be roughly $.44 cents per $100 valuation, depending on taxable values and interest rates.
The city’s current M&O rate is 39.64 cents and the service debt rating is .091 cents, for a total tax rate of 83 cents per $100 valuation, McLiney said.
“I’m not sure where the $1.50 comes from except it is the cap,” he said.
At the request of Devine resident Barry Graham, McLiney gave a rundown on how much bond debt is supported by the city’s ad valorem taxes and utility rates. The principal outstanding for the general fund supported by ad valorem taxes is $1.150 million and, from the utility fund, $9.690 million.
“That’s how much if you had to pay it off right now that you would have to pay,” McLiney said. “That does not include interest.”
Overgrowth of creek downhill a problem
Graham joined with other speakers to express concern about the engineering going to the flood improvement project.
“Since we’re going to get all this water rolling downhill what’s going to happen when it gets to the bottom,” he said. “You know, it’s got to go somewhere. So if we speed it up at the top of the hill it’s really going to be coming downhill. And Burnt Boot Creek right now is full of trees that are 20 feet tall.”
“Technically, phase 1 of this project was completed in the 1970s,,” he said. “Things have changed a lot since then.”
Graham asked whether the clearance work is included in the proposed bond issue.
“That would be another several million dollars maybe,” Graham said. “After we create our own problem again.”
Pichardo said she has heard the same concerns from constituents in her district.
“I, as a representative for District 2, cannot guarantee that their houses and homes will not flood because the construction will end at Howell Street,” she said.
The creek after Howell Street is full of brush and trees, yet is not included in the drainage bond reconstruction Pichardo which concerns her.
Who wanted this on the ballot? Can we afford?
Phil Montgomery took the podium to ask who on the council had “championed” the idea of putting the drainage improvement bond issue on the May ballot. Thompson replied that beginning late last year the council began reviewing issues outstanding that the public had asked about.
“They were items that were beyond our scope as being able just to do anything,” Thompson said. “The council sitting here should not indebt the city for $15 million. Through a bond election the public themselves are actually able to vote for the item if they want.”
Montgomery also told the council he was concerned about how the city keeps track of pending projects and proposals.
“I’m not saying we don’t need to do this but can we afford it?” Montgomery said. “Can we take that on as a city and actually grow and prosper because business isn’t going to come here. And people aren’t going to move here when they see the tax rate.”
He also said that history “is going to pay out and it’s going to point that lonely finger at you.”
“I want to know who put this on the agenda,” Montgomery said. “I know that council approved it or what you call it. Who actually championed this? Who actually did the research? Who, for the lack of a better term, kicked the pig?”
Asked by Ritchey what happens when you kick a pig Montgomery replied “it squeals.”
Was sufficient time to research before putting on ballot
Devine resident Nancy Saathoff asked, “Was every council member given a comprehensive list of items, and given enough time to research them individually, prior to voting on what items to choose from for this bond? Were they given sufficient time to research the various projects under consideration and choose from that list?
Ms. Pichardo replied no. Ritchey replied no, and Espinosa shook his head, but she asked him directly and he said no. Only Randall replied that she believed she had been given enough time.
“I had stayed on top of a lot of this stuff myself,” Randall said. “We’re we given every teenie-weenie detail – no.”
Saathoff asked, “Is there currently any land or property in this plan area that is currently unable to be developed, that will be able to be developed upon completion of this drainage project?”
“What about the 40 acres near Colonial Parkway and Libold near the golf course?” asked Pichardo.
“No” replied the Mayor Thompson.

$500,000 grant applications
In other action, the council approved two applications for a $500,000 Texas community development block grant, one to cover a water improvement project and the other for a sewer improvement project. Only one of the two grants would be granted, if either.
The sewer improvement project is a backup in case the water improvement project for a new city well is denied, Thompson said.
Council members also voted to approve action authorizing Thompson or Interim City Administrator Dora Rodriguez to sign applications for future grants though the Texas Department of Agriculture TDA Go grant program.
Yancey Water Supply easement at Airport
The council voted to approve the city staff working on a 10-foot-wide, 17,000-feet long easement for Yancey Water Supply across the north side of the Devine Municipal Airport, in return for providing water service to the airport.
Cancelling the Bond Election? Devine call special meeting to discuss
The City of Devine in a unusual move called a special live stream meeting on press night, Tuesday, April 4 to discuss and consider cancelling the Bond Election they themselves set for May 6, 2023.
The $15 Million Dollar bond that Mayor Cory Thompson and the City Council ordered was for drainage and flood issues but brought up lots of controversy on the haste, tax increase, timing and lack of public input prior to putting it on the ballot at the two public hearings.
See story next week for results of this special press night meeting.

The City of Devine’s long term debt is now $1,487,418 (governmental activities) plus $10,226,680 (business type activities) equaling = $11.754 million dollars according to the annual audit for fiscal year October 1, 2021- September 31, 2022 as presented on March 21, 2023 at the regular city council meeting.
Long term debt of the City consists of various series of general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and capital leases. General obligations bonds are payable from a levy of ad valorem taxes upon all taxable property within the City and from certain net revenues derived from the operation of the city’s water and sewer system. Revenue bonds are generally payable from pledged revenues generated by the water and sewer fund. Capital leases are payable from revenues generated by the City’ governmental activities and the levy of ad valorem taxes. The debenture agreement for water and sewer bonds requires that funds be available for 1/12th of the principal and 1/6th of the interest requirements of the next fiscal year.
Leases:
On May 1, 2018, the City entered into a capital lease agreement with John Deere Financial for the purchase of golf course maintenance equipment, which is the security on the lease. Lease payments are paid out of the governmental activities. The lease contains (1) a provision that default on the note occurs when the lessee fails to pay any amounts due on the obligation, (2) lessee becomes insolvent or the subject of bankruptcy, (3 ) lessee fails to obtain insurance on the equipment, (4) equipment is impounded, and (5) lessee fails to produce collateral for inspection within 10 days upon demand.
The City leases photocopy and postage machines with agreements having 5-year terms. Payments of $1,407 are made monthly which consist of principal and imputed annual interest of 3.91%. No assets are pledged as collateral for these leases. A summary of right-to-use lease arrangements for the year ended September 30, 2022, is as follows:
CWTP Copy Machine Lease, 2020= Original Lease Liability $1,000,000, interest paid this year $1,178. New lease agreement $38,126, Principal paid this year $10,459, Principal Outstanding at 9/30/2022 of $27,667, Principal due within one year $10,745.
CTWP Postage Machine Lease, 2021 Original Lease Liability $23,894, interest paid this year $578. New lease agreement $23,894, Principal paid this year $3,361, Principal outstanding at 9/30/22 of $20,533, Principal due within one year $4,544.
Total right to use lease liabilities outstanding of $48,200 with $15,289 in principal due this year.
Debt/Governmental Activities Payable:
2021 General Certificate of Obligation Combined Tax and Revenue of $1,000,000, outstanding balance of $990,000, with $65,000 due within one year.
Series 2020 Tax Note: $475,000 with outstanding balance of $320,000, with $160,000 due within one year.
Loan Payable: $135,000, finished paying off and interest of $2,589.
Capital Lease Payable: $226, 514, finished paying off and interest of $3,189.
Right to Lease Liabilities: $34,548, balance outstanding $25,740, due within one year $9,288.
Accrued Vacation and Leave: $151,678
Debt/Business Type Payable:
2019 General Obligation Combined Tax and Revenue, $1Million, interest paid $17,568, balance $780,000, due within a year $105,000.
Revenue Bonds:
2013 General Obligation Refunding Bonds: $1.84 Million, interest paid this year $18,005, balance $550,000, and due within one year $175,000.
2018A Revenue Bonds/Utility System: $2.75 Million, interest paid this year $53,280, principal paid this year $70,000, balance $2.475 Million, due within one year $75,000.
2018B Revenue Bonds/Utility system: $6.645 Million, zero interest paid, principal paid this year $115,000, balance of $6.355 Million, due within one year $115,000.
Right to Use Liabilities: $27,472, balance $22,460, due within one year $6,001.
Accrued Vacation and Leave: $44,220.
Total City’s long term debt is $1,487,418 (governmental activities) plus $10,226,680 (business type activities) equaling = $11.754 million dollars.
(Above Figures for Long Term Debt and Right To Use Lease Liabilities Payable taken from 2021-2022 Audit presented at the meeting).

The City of Devine will hold two Public Hearings on the on the $15.02 Million Dollar Bond proposed for drainage and flood control improvements. The voters will have the chance of voting for or against the bond during the May 6, 2023 elections at city hall.
The council and mayor want the voters a choice to decide if they feel the need for the drainage projects with the understanding it will increase taxes and max out the tax rate and ability to borrow money for the next 20 years. One drainage project starts on Libold near the golf course and ends near the funeral home with changes to Burnt Boot Creek to accommodate the extra flow. The other drainage project that will also feed into Burnt Book Creek is to alleviate issues on Crouch Street.

You are invited to the public meetings which will be on Tuesday, March 14th at 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 28th at 6:00 p.m. in the George S. Woods Community Center, 200 E. Hondo Avenue beside the library.
The hearings will be in relation to the $15.02 Million Dollar Bond for drainage work which will be paid for with the levying of a tax increase.
All interested parties, individuals or groups are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the discussion about the city’s bond election and ask questions.
For additional information, please call the city at 830-663-2804.

Voting
Early voting starts on April 24 and run to May 2 from 8am to 5 pm. Earl and late voting hours 7am-7pm on May 1 & 2. And one Saturday voting day Saturday, April 29 from 9am to 2pm. All at city hall.
Election Day is Saturday, May 6 from 7am to 7pm.
The City of Devine early voting and election day voting will all take place at city hall.