Boerne ZIP code 78015 sees large population increase; 78006 steadily grows
Between 2018 and 2023, the 78006 ZIP code has increased in population by 28.15%, while the 78015 ZIP increased by 55.75%, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
In the 2023 data, 78006 had a population of 42,200, and 78015 had a population of 23,548. For population growth in 78006, the largest age group increase was ages 60-79, increasing from 7,093 people to 9,623 people over five years, representing a 35.67% increase.
Population growth in 78015 shows a significant increase for ages 19 and younger, increasing from 3,982 to 7,698 over five years. This is an increase of 93.32%, nearly doubling the population from 2018.
Read the full story by Reporter Jarrett Whitener.
Boerne residents to see higher water bills as new rates take effect
Boerne residents will see higher water, wastewater and sewer rates on their 2025 bills as rate increases approved in December took effect Feb. 1. The city structured the increases to encourage conservation, with the steepest hikes targeting the highest water users.
Residential water rates increased between 4% and 45%, while wastewater and commercial water rates rose by 3% and 7%, respectively. Reclaimed water rates increased between 7% and 50%. The city says these changes are necessary to fund capital improvement projects. The rate increases will raise the average residential customer's water and wastewater bill from $90.46 to $94.71 per month, according to city data.
Under the new tiered pricing, average residential users will see modest increases—about $2.40 monthly for a home using 5,000 gallons—but high-consumption users could pay hundreds more. City officials believe the biggest opportunity for conservation lies with customers using 25,000-50,000 gallons monthly.
Additional rate hikes are expected over the next five years as part of Boerne’s long-term utility improvement plan.
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Boerne voters to see city charter amendments in May election
On the May ballot, Boerne voters will consider four city charter amendments. If passed, the proposed amendments would alter parts of the Boerne City Charter, mainly adjusting council term limits and clarifying city procedures.
On Jan. 28, the Boerne City Council voted 5-0 to approve the placement of the amendments on the May ballot.
A summary of the proposed amendments to the charter include:
- Proposition A: Increase City Council members and mayor term from two to three years
- Proposition B: Remove language in the charter about other elected officials in the city, as there are no other elected positions other than City Council
- Proposition C: Change the procedure for filling City Council vacancies to match other cities with three-year terms, as opposed to the current two-year terms, requiring that City Council appoint a council member if a vacancy occurs in a position with less than 12 months remaining
- Proposition D: Require a review of the city charter every 10 years, reviewed and approved by the voters
Lighting improvements approved for 2 Boerne parks; renovated playground renamed
Lighting upgrades are coming to Northrup Park and Boerne City Park in the summer, following a decision from City Council on Feb. 11 to authorize an agreement with Musco Sports Lighting LLC.
City Council also approved the name of the renovated playground at Boerne City Park, which will be named Ammie’s Playground, named after Ammie Palacios, a young girl whose story inspired inclusivity at Boerne Parks, according to the resolution.
The cost of the light upgrades is $793,174, which will be funded through quality of life bonds, which were approved by voters in 2022, Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. The lighting project is expected to be completed in the summer.
The playground at Boerne City Park has been under renovation since Jan. 6, and upon reopening will be recognized as Ammie’s Playground. Following Ammie’s passing, the Boerne Parks Association led a campaign, raising $155,000 for the renovation of the playground at Boerne City Park.
Read the full story by Reporter Jarrett Whitener.
Engineering services for Ammann Road reconstruction approved
Engineering services for the reconstruction of Ammann Road were approved by Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on Feb. 6. City Council approved a little over $750,000 for the services, which will be executed by STV Inc.
Services will be from the northern city limits at the Kendall County line to the eastern city limits at the Comal County line.
According to the ordinance, the planned project would include the expansion of two 11-foot wide lanes and two-paved shoulders.
Funding for the project is supported by general obligation bonds approved by voters in May 2024. The bonds were in the amount of $16 million covering four road reconstruction projects.
Director of Public Works and Engineering Services Grant Watanabe said the Ammann Road project is the largest bond project and cost around $6 million to complete. Construction is expected in late 2026, making it the third project out of the bonds to be completed.
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