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Rare Stage 5 restrictions for water use could hit Devine soon

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Butch Cook:
If the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone doesn’t receive a substantial amount of rain in the near future, the City of Devine may find it necessary to implement Stage 5 Water Restrictions for what is more than likely, the first time ever. I was on the City Council when the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) began operating in 1996 when the city was required to pay for its allotted acre feet of water, which is now approximately $6000 per month of tax payer money. The EAA was originally formed to prevent a federal takeover of the aquifer under the Endangered Species Act; to preserve and protect the valuable state water resource, along with the endangered species in the aquifer-fed Comal and San Marcos Springs which satisfied federal requirements.
Even though the City of Devine doesn’t sit above the Edwards Aquifer, most of our public water comes from the Edwards from our two wells on FM 1343, which is pumped into the city storage tank by Warhorse Stadium, and then into our two water towers – so we are at their mercy and must abide by their guidelines for the acre feet we use.


Here is where the confusion comes in with regards to Stage 4 and Stage 5 restrictions: when the aquifer level drops to certain levels at key locations, the EAA reduces its allotment to the City of Devine by pre-determined amounts for Stage 4 and Stage 5. We began the year with an allotment of 911 acre feet which was then reduced 37% to 750 feet for Stage 4, and will soon be reduced even further for Stage 5.
The EAA provides a list of recommendations to consider for compliance; however, they are not individual mandates and each city is allowed to determine which guidelines it will follow, if any. The City of Devine can decide what its requirements are for each stage but if the City exceeds its allotted acre feet by the EAA, there will be a SUBSTANTIAL FINE imposed on the tax payers.
Stage 5 recommendations by the EAA include:

  • All outdoor irrigation, including drip irrigation, hand held watering and watering with buckets is prohibited at all times.
  • The filling, refilling or adding potable water to private swimming, wading or Jacuzzi type pools is prohibited.
  • Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle is prohibited.
  • No applications for new, additional, expanded, increase -in-size water service connections, meters and service lines shall be allowed or approved.
  • Aesthetic water use is prohibited. Basically any non-essential use of water. My personal opinion is not allowing hand-held watering to keep valuable trees and plants alive is not required at this time. The City of Devine is in good shape to finish the year under the required quota by the EAA with the mandates imposed in Stage 4, but only with a concerted effort to manage and conserve our water usage – especially the watering of lawns with sprinkler systems which currently is not allowed. This mandate does not pertain to those who have private wells which pull from the Carrizo aquifer.
    Recent posts on our City of Devine City Hall Facebook page were intended to alert the community to the Possibility of severe sanctions.
    Fortunately, November and December are historically lower-usage months with less need for watering lawns that are about to go dormant, but we have been in an incredible drought for quite awhile.
    Special Meeting Nov. 7
    This issue will be discussed at length and how to proceed at a Special City Council meeting next Thursday, November 7, 6:00 pm at the Community Center.

Remembering “Coach J”

Devine ISD Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach Jim Sessions left his mark on literally thousands of Devine youths over the more than a quarter century in which he taught and coached in this small, extremely tight-knit community.
Coach Sessions’ passing is a gut-punch to all who knew him but is especially difficult to former players and students, both past and present.
The love and mutual respect are evident in each reply as former Arabians and Warhorses bid adieu to a man they simply knew as “Coach J.”
In memory
“Coach J had a really good sense of knowing if someone was struggling with something.  On days when no one knew I was having an off day, he would ask if everything was okay.”—Gehrig Runyan, Class of 2019
“It takes a special kind of coach to make an athlete understand the meaning of grit.  Coach J created a culture for so many Arabians that made us excited to play the game of basketball.  He was able to instill a certain confidence in me that I did not carry in any other sport.  I will always be thankful for the 4 years I got to spend with Coach J and all of my teammates.  We all love you and will miss you ( and your cookies) so much!”—Megan Runyan, Class of 2021
“Even though I did not have Coach J as a coach or teacher, he always treated me with the same kindness as if I had known him for years.  It did not take much to know the great heart he had.”—Brooke Runyan, Class of 2021
“One of the great pillars of DHS. A man who shaped many students lives from athletics to academics. You always knew if you needed a smile you could walk past him on his bench outside his classroom. RIP to not only my coach but my friend!”—Beau Cardenas Class of 2017
“The district championships and success we had reflect our joy and passion that we played with for you. We knew you cared for each one of us and I sure hope you knew how much we loved you. I will cherish the memories forever. THANK YOU!”—Baylee (Quisenberry) Cardenas, Class of 2016
“Coach J treated us like his own and pushed us to be our best every single day. We played hard for him because we knew he loved us. I hope he knows how much we loved him. He let us be ourselves; we had a lot of fun and earned a lot of wins. I will cherish the memories of being an Arabian and playing for Coach J forever. We are all better for knowing Coach J and will miss him dearly.”—Preslee Quisenberry, Class of 2019
“Thank you for always believing in me and always having my back no matter what I went through. You allowed us to simply be our true selves. You were inspiration to so many. I love you and I will miss you always coach J (aka Juicy J).  #TheJungleForever “POST UP”  John 3:16.”—Jenna Sadler, Class of 2017
“I moved to Devine junior year, and I came from a toxic environment in basketball, and I was blessed to have you remind why I loved this sport so much. You always celebrated me and always made sure I knew I was worth something. I would not have known how special I was without your presence in my life. Thank you for treating me like your own and taking me in without even knowing me. I was blessed to have you in my life, God truly gained a beautiful angel. XOXO Coach J, till we meet again.”—Vanessa Oyola (aka VO), Class of 2017 
“Coach J was an amazing basketball coach but an even better human. He left his mark on every student and player he met. We will miss you so much Juicy J but find comfort knowing you have the best seats in the world watching Arabian Basketball from heaven with Neva. #thejungleforever”—Tori Martin, Class of 2016


“One of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for the laughs, love and support you gave to not only myself but the entire community. Fly high, Coach J!”—Dylan Montes, Class of 2015
“You taught us more than just how to play basketball or do fancy things on computers. You were more to all of us than just a teacher/coach. The Jungle will forever cherish the memories we got to make with you. We love you Juicy J!”—Kailee (Ramirez) Dougherty, Class of 2016
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬ We have our Lord’s assurance that the sufferings of life cannot compare to the glory that is coming, for we have hope that is anchored in Christ, and an inheritance that is secured for us in heaven. As you look down from Heaven onto all of the fields/courts/courses you ever set foot, I hope you smile at the lives you touched and the legacy you leave.
PS: I will miss your delicious cookies and running through cookie drill. You had such a special way of pushing one beyond what they thought capable of themselves. You will be sorely missed. That final buzzer may have sounded but your legacy lives on. Rest easy, Coach.”—Sierra (Taylor) Zinsmeyer, Class of 2012
“I will be forever grateful for the blessing of a coach, mentor, and friend that God placed in my life. Coach J, you will be missed by the many lives you have impacted in Devine. However, this is not the end, God has the final word! I will miss you on this Earth but pray for Jesus to come quick, so that we may share His peace in heaven. Romans 10:5-11.”—Evan Mata, Class of 2021
“Mr. Sessions was a person full of love and light. Although I did not have him as a coach, he was one of my favorites. Mr. Sessions was the biggest fan of each and every kid. He would always tell me how great of a job I did after our Cross Country meets, come into my mom’s classroom and joke around with us, I would always beg him for some of his famous cookies, and he would always give in. I truly will miss him and seeing his smile when I would pop into Devine for a quick ‘hello.’ He was an amazing person with an amazing spirit and truly blessed with love from God. I have peace knowing he will be up in heaven coaching and smiling down on everyone he has ever encountered. See you soon Mr. Sessions, I hope you will have some cookies ready for me! Mathew 6: 33-34.”—Audrey Longoria, Class of 2022
“There are a million things to say, but most importantly, thank you, for all lessons you taught us, on and off the court, all the laughs & all the memories we have. Even though you are gone you still inspire SO many of us. I will never forget you. Rest easy Coach J.”—Elyse Espinoza, Class of 2016
“This is not a goodbye this is a farewell and see you soon, Jimbo. I will forever cherish every moment and greatest lesson you have taught me growing through high school and carrying it on to my future career. Your legacy to our maroon-and-gold will forever carry on and be remembered. Thank you Coach J for the best HS basketball memories!”—Yessika Garza, Class of 2016
“You were a great coach, teacher, and mentor, and playing for you was such a great time. I did not get to work with you but coached against you. I think playing Devine was always the hardest game we played, both physically and mentally. You would always give positive words, and I knew you truly meant it. If I had any questions, you were always willing to answer no matter the time. I cannot thank you enough for that! I knew my own two girls would probably never get to play for you but now, they will not get to truly know who the ‘Coach J’ was that I grew up with. Give my grandpa a hug. Love always!”—Katy (Herrera) Palacios, Class of 2004
“Coach J, words cannot express how hard it is to say goodbye to someone who left such a big impact on me both as a player and as a person. You saw the potential in me like no other and knew you could push me beyond my own limits, and for that, I am grateful. I will forever hold the memories I made playing for you (and the taste of your amazing cookies), close to my heart as those were some of the best times of my high school career. We love you and will miss you down here, but your legacy will live on through all of us. Until we see you again, stomp that foot a little louder in heaven like you would on that court. Rest easy, Coach.”—Ally Taylor, Class of 2021

By Jerel Beaty
Staff writer

Read the full story on www.devinenewsmembers.com

Dance & Golf Fundraiser Nov 9th

Dance & Golf in honor of three special DHS classmates Nov. 9
By Catherine Richard
The Devine Golf Course will be holding its second annual Angels in the Fairway tournament and dance on November 9. Tournament registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the dance will begin at 7 p.m.
The event is held in honor and loving memory of Dillon Burleson, Samantha Buvinghausen, and Jacob Sanchez, who were all members of the Devine High School Class of 2006.
All proceeds of the event will go to the Angels in the Fairway Scholarship.
The entry for the tournament is $100 a player, with cart, food, dance entry and green fee included. The first place prize $1,200, the second is $800 and the third is $400.
The benefit dance will cost $10 per person, with music performed by Kris Gordon.
To register, call the Devine Golf Course at 830-665-9943 or Ali at 210-508-6606.

Everything you need to know about the Devine Cactus Festival

The 63rd Annual Devine Fall Catcus Festival is set for next weekend October 31-November 2 in downtown Devine.


The Carnival will be here for three days, Thursday, Oct. 31, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2.
Over 100 vendors will be on display for your shopping pleasure as well as the usual Plant Sale, Art Exhibit, kids games and more.


The Parade will kick off at 10:00 AM Saturday morning at the intersection of Hwy 173 and FM 2200 (Medina Glass) as usual. Parade entries are due by this Friday to Morales Realty, as the lineup will be charted this weekend. Floats will line up in the middle school parking lot and wrap around to the high school . The construction company promises to have it ready for use.


Live entertainment from 11 am-midnight, will take place all day on two stages at the festival featuring a FREE dance that evening with Small Town Habit, Jeremy Richards, and the Solis Brothers as the headliners. A pep rally by DHS will take place from 12-1 pm earlier. Claude Morgan and friends will entertain from the second stage. (See ad for details)


Parade Grand Marshall is Lewis Stroud. Theme is Devine Pride. No outside food or drinks will be permitted. Bring Lawnchairs. The “INSIDE SCOOP” of the 2024 Devine Cactus Fall Festival is actually INSIDE the Community Center!  The doors open after the parade, around 11am, for everyone to enjoy all the displays and activities until closing at 5:00pm. Check out these displays and sales going on inside the CC, next to the Library.

The INSIDE SCOOP….

*YOUTH ART EXHIBIT – This 4th annual exhibit will have artwork from hundreds of school and day-care kids in Devine, with the theme “Small Town, Big Heart, Bright Future”!  Come inside the Community Center to walk through the ‘Tunnel of Art’ & see the beautiful art banners along the walls!  This is a real treat, so if you have children or grandchildren that go to school or day-care in Devine, you will not want to miss this exhibit!! (Doors close at 5pm)
*TINY TOWN TEXAS MUSEUM EXHIBIT – Check out the wide variety of unique historical items, including an authentic Dinosaur Egg with an Xray of the baby dinosaur inside!  This is a ‘Must-See’ display at the festival, so come inside to get a chance to see it for yourself! (TTTM also will have a very, very, old, historic automobile in the parade, so look for it at the beginning of the parade!)
*HISTORICAL EXHIBIT – This year’s exhibit will include lots of pictures from the early days of Devine, including pictures of downtown Devine before the January 1905 fire, a downtown picture of College Ave. from the early 1920s, and old school pictures. Plus, the always popular pictures of the Devine Cactus Zoo from the 1950s are back again this year, including the picture of the 14 ft cacti-sculpture of “The Three Bears”
The *DEVINE GARDEN CLUB will hold its annual Fall Plant Sale in the Community Center with lots of great plants to purchase.  Members of the club will be there also to tell you about the care that is needed for the plants you get. Get a plant for beauty and learn something about it at the same time!
The *FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Book Sale will have books for all ages – paperbacks, hardback, audio books, and movies. They will have something for everyone!  All proceeds benefit the Driscoll Public Library!
There will also be *LOCAL AUTHORS with their books available for sale, so come meet these talented people and check out their books.
Now you have the “INSIDE SCOOP” of  INSIDE the Community Center this Saturday, Nov. 2nd from 11am-5pm at the Devine Cactus Fall Festival. So, come to downtown Devine to enjoy a nice day of fun at the festival – inside & out!

HISTORY:“BEFORE THEY WERE WARHORSES”

Look at the faces of these football players from 102 years ago! They look like men, instead of schoolboys, even though they were only 15-16 years old! You can see the roughness and toughness in their faces!

That probably came from working on the farms and ranches around Devine since they were young boys; and their strength was from the farmwork they did, rather than a weight room! These tough-looking football players made up only the second team of football for Devine High School, when school only went to the 10th or 11th grade level.

Now look at their coach. Coach Soyars was not much older, being only 23 years old at the time. His team went 4-2-1 in only their second season, but they did not have a nickname.

That unique mascot name did not come for another year or so when Coach “Warhorse” Tate, a college student from San Marcos Normal School came to coach in Devine. But that is another story for another day, so stay tuned to The Devine News next week to learn more about Coach Tate and the Warhorses that bear his name, 100 year later! By Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff

*Devine High School 1922- Second Football Team : Front Row—Edgar Bailey, Joe Vance, Capt. Frank Vance, George Thompson, Matt Howard; Middle Row- Bill Morris, O.M ‘Thebo’ Redus, Allison Sims, Ted Vance, Hartley Howard, Frank Williamson; Back row-Coach Erwin Soyars, Jack Morris, Hugh Rose, Magness Lindsey, Lewis Taylor, and Douglas Lilly. *Check out the last names of the players. Some of these names may be familiar, as some descendants of these players still reside in Devine today.

Victory with Heavy Hearts…Horses rally past Bulldogs

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The biggest takeaway from Devine’s 23-13 decision over the Bulldogs in Bandera last Friday night was probably not even the fact that by winning the game the Warhorses kept hopes of a Tri-Championship going.
Eli Contreras standing at midfield for the coin-toss with co-captains Matthew Gomez, Anthony Saldivar, and Brayden Reyes as well as Contreras’ 1 carry for 7 yards and 1 reception for 6 yards were the most monumental moments that could have possibly occurred as it began a healing process for the Contreras’ family after the passing of Mr. Art Contreras.
Once the game got underway, the healing of Devine’s entire community also began after the subsequent passing of Devine Athletic Director Coach Jim Sessions.


A family and a town, joined in heartfelt pain, was given a chance to unite, a chance to grieve, and then the chance to enjoy a return to normalcy if only for a little while.
Contreras left the game after three offensive plays due fracturing his thumb in two places. Like the tough young man he is, he wanted to stay and finish the game but was unable to do so.
His fight obviously carried through to the rest of his teammates as Devine avenged last season’s setback to the Bulldogs by going up by as much as 23-7 after Edward Perez scored with little time left on the third quarter clock.
Devine took care of business in all three phases of the game.
Offensively, Saldivar stepped in to rush 15 times for 86 yards while the always-reliable Reyes touched end zone grass twice and carried a whopping 28 times in Contreras’ absence.
Defensively, the Warhorses made the Bulldogs offense look like it never got off the porch as Bandera rushed 15 times for negative 16 yards while 22 of their 33 pass attempts fell harmlessly to the ground.
Devine’s special teams showed out as well as Teotimo Stafford nailed a 24-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer sounded, giving Devine a 9-7 advantage and a lead they only continued to build upon.
This win was for the entire Warhorse Nation family.
Whether the family name be Contreras or Sessions, or any other family name for that matter that has dealt with the loss of a loved one over the last several months, Eli’s presence three nights after the passing of his father shows the toughness and resolve of what the Devine community is all about.


Warhorse tidbit, stats, & scoring summary

Route to Tri-Champs
In order for Devine to get a piece of that district-championship pie only 2 things have to happen, but they both have to happen on the last night of District 14 DII action.
Devine must beat San Antonio Memorial on homecoming night at Warhorse Stadium and Bandera must beat Carrizo Springs at Bulldog Stadium.
If Devine, Bandera, and Carrizo Springs all finish 3-1 then a tri-championship it is. Seeding is then based on point differential up to 18 points for each of the singular games between those three teams.
The Warhorses own a 10-point advantage over Bandera while the Wildcats hold an 18-point advantage over Devine.
There are too many playoff scenarios with whom Devine’s possible Bi-District opponent could be out of District 13 to even mention at the moment.
Lucky # 13
The Warhorses are in the playoffs, no doubt. The question is, who will they play?
That answer will not come until around 10pm Friday, November 8.
For now, all that is known with two weeks left in the season are the District 13 won-loss records which are as follows:
Wimberley 4-0, Lago Vista 3-1, Navarro 2-1, Salado 2-2, Jarrell 2-3, Gonzales 1-3, Smithville 0-4.
The playoff picture for that district may clear some this Friday, but the Warhorses situation will not be known until the conclusion of the Bulldog-Wildcat game in Bandera November 8.
District records: Carrizo Springs 2-0, Devine 2-1, Bandera 1-1, Pearsall 1-2, San Antonio Memorial 0-2.
District results: Oct11 Carrizo Springs 34 Devine 16; Bandera 31 Pearsall 14; Memorial open Oct18 Devine 49 Pearsall 7; Carrizo Springs 34 Memorial 7; Bandera open; Oct25 Devine 23 Bandera 13; Pearsall 28 Memorial 21; Carrizo Springs open.
Remaining: Nov1 Devine open; Bandera @ Memorial; Pearsall @ Carrizo Springs Nov8 Memorial @ Devine; Carrizo Springs @ Bandera.
Team stats
Rushing 51 for 155 yards (3.0), 2 TDs Passing 3 of 5 for 37 yards Receiving 3 for 51 yards.
Individual stats
Rushing Anthony Saldivar 15 for 86 yards (5.7); Brayden Reyes 28 for 64 yards (2.3), 2 TDs; Edward Perez 3 for 11 yards (3.7), 1 TD; Eli Contreras 1 for 7 yards… Read the full article at www.devinenewsmembers.com

Arabians ready for playoffs

The Arabians will play a warm-up game against Natalia this Saturday and the first playoff game will be this coming Monday.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Depending on Tuesday night’s final results from Floresville, the Arabians are either the District 27 Co-Champions with the Jaguars or Devine sits alone as district runner up. At press time, there were still a few things to tidy up, but the 10-1 Arabians are in the State Playoffs no matter the 11-0 Floresville outcome.
The Arabians have been on a nice roll as they won five in a row prior to Floresville, including decisive wins over Somerset and Pearsall.
What is a known fact according to Devine Head Coach Leigh Anne McIver is Devine’s first round opponent will be Gonzales.
“With the UIL dividing districts into big-school, little-school divisions, we will go into the playoffs as the #1 small-school and Gonzales will go in as the #2 small school from District 28-4A,” McIver confirmed.


Much respect, Pearsall and Natalia
Although the final scores of all three sets against Pearsall were lopsided in Devine’s favor, Pearsall ISD and their volleyball program gets the utmost respect from the Arabians and the community of Devine with showing of support and love after the recent passing of Devine ISD Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach Jim Sessions.
Natalia also honored Coach J as the varsity girls wore maroon and gold ribbons in their hair for their Friday night contest. The Lady Mustangs had another man of character from the Devine community in their thoughts as well after the passing of a Natalia Alum in Art Contreras.
“This was a very emotional night for us after losing two great men in our community,” McIver softly said. “The girls came in focused and ready to take care of business quickly. These girls have been supporters of each other this season and really relied on each other this week. In my last conversation with Coach J, he said he was super proud of our team after their win at Somerset. He was looking forward to how we would finished district and for our playoff run to come. He told me, ‘Go get them ready!’ Well, they are ready to take care of business Tuesday night and in playoffs!”
vs Pearsall
A 3-0 win in Pearsall was expected, but the Lady Mavs are playing terrific ball as the season winds down. The Lady Mavs won 2 of 3 prior to facing the Arabians with wins over Uvalde and Pleasanton. If the Lady Eagles wind up missing the playoffs, they can look back and thank the Lady Mavs for that.
Devine won in straight sets in Pearsall (25-13, 25-15, 25-11). Airyanna Rodriguez led in kills with 25, with many of those coming directly from Kynedie Cruz who netted 42 assists.
Brooke Thompson led with 2 aces and Bella Flores recorded her team’s only block.
Stats vs Pearsall
Kills (46) Airyanna Rodriguez 25, Aimee Carr 11, Bella Flores 5, Skylar Blanton 5 Aces (5) Brooke Thompson 2, Charlee Rangel 1, Carr 1, Cami Carroll 1 Blocks (1) Flores 1 Digs…Read the full article at www.devinenewsmembers.com

State bound!

Photos this week by R Gonzalez and M Byrd. See lots more photos in this week’s paper.

The Lytle Pirate Band is making music and making history! The band placed 3rd in the prelims and earned a final ranking of 4th place in Finals. 
“We are over the moon excited, and so incredibly proud of these students!” said band director Joshua Chessher.
 The Pirate Band will perform in the Alamodome on Wednesday, November 6, at 10am.  If you are interested in attending in person, you can purchase tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/uil-state-marching-band-contest-3a-san-antonio-texas-11-06-2024/event/3A00613ED7F94725
Make sure you select 3A prelims.
“ If you come, make sure you wear your “Mirror Mirror band shirt, so we can show how the state how much pride we have in Lytle!” Chessher adds.

See this week’s Devine News for tons of photos.

Lytle ISD has declared that day a holiday for all students and staff so all may attend if they wish! What a wonderful way to support the band! The day will be made up later in February. UIL State Qualifying 2024 Lytle Pirate Band members are: Maddilyn Aguinaga, Andres Arredondo, Eleah Avelar, Valentina Ayala, Auslyn Beazer, Ashley Bowman, Easton Burley, Emiliano Cardenas, Kellyahn Castano, Juju Center, Rosabella Cepeda, Santiago Contreras, Alycia Corona, Lia Corral, Gabi Cortez, Nadia Daniels, Rylee Davila, Ethan Deleon, Adam Dominguez, Alex Dominguez, Benjamin Duty, Emma Emery, Zaira Farfan, Julyana Frausto, Emily Garcia, Andrea Garza, Nathan Garza, Andrea Gomez, Valeria Gomez, Marina Gonzalez, Joshua Guerra, Jasmine Guizar, Orlando Gutierrez, Timothy Gutierrez, Micaela Heath, Ryan Hendrickson, Lidon Hernandez, Madison Hernandez, Jaxon Hunt, Nevaeh Kassin, Koby Lara, Peyton Leverton, Svetlana Lopez, Ivan Lopez-Amaya, Madelyn Maldonado, Michael Martinez, Nicole Martinez, Sophia McBride, Taryn McDonald, Journee Mendoza, Vanessa Mercado, Xoly Montealegre, Lily Morales, Brayden Morton, Nayeli Nunez, Julianna Orozco, Makayla Perales, Makenna Perales, Celeste Ramirez, Novalee Rangel, Brayan Rangel Rodriguez, Laila Reed, James Reed Iv, Federico Reyes, Isabella Reyes, Sofia Rios Garcia, David Aaron Robles, Alieha Rodriguez, Jenna Rodriguez, Reina Rodriguez, Jazmine Ruiz, Mackenzie Schultz, Madison Schultz, Isabella Sewell, Juliet Sittre, Shea Smoot, Aubrey Solis, Collin Sprenger, Noah Stech, Brooke Tollett, Richard Tollett, Alisha Van Zant, Tyler Vaughan, Camila Vega, Naomi Velazquez-Haro, Haylee Ward, and Isaac Ytuarte.

City forced to enact steep water rate increases

By Anton Riecher
A two-step water rate increase of nearly 20 percent over the next year may be necessary for Devine to move forward with obtaining $11.5 million in state financing to replace lead water lines.
The Devine City Council, meeting in special session on Oct. 22, voted to meet again in two weeks to give city staff time to further analyze the results of a long-awaited water and sewer rate study in preparation for a final proposal on the increase.
Investment consultant Mark M. McLiney, senior managing director of SAMCO Capital, told the council that the results of the rate study, ordered as part of the city’s planned application to the Texas Water Development Board for financing, showed that the water utility lost roughly $350,000 in fiscal year 2023.
“After paying all your bonds you are reaching into your reserves to make bond payments,” McLiney said.


City Administrator David Jordan said that prior to the last water rate increase approved in 2018 the council had historically approved annual increases of between two and five percent to deal with maintenance and operation.
However, the increase in 2018 came in the wake of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality determination that local drinking water exceeded minimum contamination levels for asbestos, forcing the city to borrow $9.6 million for line replacement.
“They had one of two options,” Jordan said. “When they did increase the rates, option one was raise it enough to pay for the debt service, and option two was raise it enough to pay for the debt service as well as maintenance and operations.”
Read the full article on www.devinenewsmembers.com