News Flash

City News

64 Stories
Posted on: May 25, 2023

ACS to host Boerne Animal Academy kids camp

Boerne ACS paw logo

Calling all sixth graders! Animal Care Services is excited to host the first-ever Boerne Animal Academy this summer.

The camp will be held over three Saturdays in June and is open to Boerne students entering sixth grade in the fall.

Each Saturday features a...

Sign up today!

City News
Posted on: May 22, 2023

City partners with Champion HS welders for new cemetery archway

New Cemetery Archway

In a first-of-its-kind collaborative project, the City of Boerne and the Boerne Independent School District partnered together to help create a new archway at the Boerne Cemetery. Working together, students in the Champion High School welding program comp...

Watch the full story.

Watch the full story. City News
Posted on: May 15, 2023

City moves brush, bulk collection to second week of month

WM trash truck

Starting in June 2023, the City of Boerne’s residential collection provider WM will move its brush and bulk pickup to the second full week of the month.

This collection has been conducted during the first full week of the month since the program ...

See the new schedule

City News
Posted on: May 24, 2023

Boerne City Manager recognized with certification by international organization

City Manager Ben Thatcher

With a continued investment in professional development, Boerne City Manager Ben Thatcher is leading by example as the City continues to aim to be an exemplary Hill Country community.

Thatcher recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICM...

Read more about the recognition.

City News
Posted on: May 24, 2023

Mayor, councilmembers sworn-in

Swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Ritchie, City Councilmember Wright and Boddie

At its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night, the City of Boerne held the swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected Mayor Frank Ritchie, District 2 Councilwoman Sharon Wright and District 4 Councilman Bryce Boddie.

All three were elected to serve a full...

Read more about the ceremony.

City News
Posted on: May 18, 2023

Staff Profile: Lt. James Schmidt is driven by service

James Schmidt

For Patrol Lt. James Schmidt of the Boerne Police Department, service to the community has been his driving motivation.

But before he got behind the wheel of a patrol car, he manned a lawn mower with Boerne Parks and Recreation for two years, keeping our o...

Read the full profile.

City News
Posted on: May 11, 2023

City of Boerne Launches Redesigned Website

Drone shot of Boerne City Hall

The City of Boerne has launched a redesigned website with an emphasis on access to City services and ease of use for the public.

The improved design accomplishes several goals:

  • Quick access to the most sought-after information.
  • Modern, mobile-friendly design...
See the improvements.

City News
Posted on: May 8, 2023

General Election results for Mayor, City Council

"Vote Here" sign in front of City Hall

The results of the May 6, 2023, General Election for City of Boerne mayor and city council positions are listed below. The following is from the Kendall County Elections Office.

Mayor

  • Frank Ritchie – 1,575 votes
  • Nina Woolard – 499 votes

Ci...

See the results.

City News
Posted on: May 2, 2023

Boerne Takes Four Top Honors In the 2023 Texas Travel Awards

Shops in downtown Boerne

Four Boerne destinations were crowned “best of” in the 3rd annual Texas Travel Awards. Launched by the publishers of Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, and Texas Music, the awards were created to celebrate the top travel destinations and attractions ac...

See the awards.

City News
Posted on: May 1, 2023

Officer exemplifies heart behind the badge, helps save man’s life

Rebecca Foley Headshot on PD Background

What began as a routine drive home from a conference on April 22 became anything but for Officer Rebecca Foley of the Boerne Police Department.

“I had just stopped for gas and was on the last leg of the trip before getting home,” Foley said.

As she approach...

Read more on this story.

City News
Posted on: May 2, 2023

Hounds for Hounds: Boerne baseball delivers supplies to ACS

BHS baseball team with donated items at ACS

The Boerne High School Greyhounds baseball team filed into the Animal Care Services parking lot on a recent Monday afternoon to drop off much-needed supplies for the animals at the shelter.

Head coach Bill Merrell said this is the second year for the team’...

Read about the donation.

City News
Posted on: April 20, 2023

Boerne PD recognizes officers at annual awards ceremony

Boerne PD patch logo

The Boerne Police Department held its annual awards ceremony April 18, 2023, and several officers were honored for exemplary service for their work in 2022.

The following awards were given during the ceremony:

  • Officer of the Year
  • Dispatcher of the Year
  • Top Gu...
See the awards.

City News
Posted on: March 29, 2023

Read the 2022 Popular Annual Financial Report

Graphic with text reads "Popular Annual Financial Report"

A PAFR presents the City's financial position, accomplishments, and activities in an easy-to-read format.

See the report. City News
Posted on: April 19, 2023

City collects enough brush after winter storm to fill Olympic-sized swimming pool

City employee loads brush into truck

Following the significant winter storm that impacted the City of Boerne in late January and early February, the City of Boerne Streets Department quickly pivoted from keeping roads ice-free during the storm to brush and tree collection afterwards.

In Febru...

See the details.

City News
Posted on: March 29, 2023

Boerne City Council approves minor updates to Thoroughfare Plan

Boerne City Hall

On Tuesday night, April 11, 2023, Boerne City Council voted unanimously to approve minor updates to the City’s Major Thoroughfare Plan.

State law allows cities to create these plans per Local Government Code, Title 7, Chapter 213. The City of Boerne create...

See the updates.

City News
Posted on: April 14, 2023

Staff Profile: Claudia Lemon leads the Municipal Court

Claudia Lemon

Has one of Boerne’s finest ever gifted you a traffic ticket? If so, you have probably met Claudia Lemon and the staff at the Municipal Court.

For the last 19 years, Claudia has managed the day-to-day operations of the team that handles all Class C misdemea...

Learn more about Claudia.

City News
Posted on: March 23, 2023

Boerne hires first Chief Building Official

Steve Riggs Headshot

The City of Boerne will welcome a new addition to its Development Services offices with the hire of Steve Riggs as the City’s first Chief Building Official.

“We are excited to have Steve join Team Boerne and to achieve our goal of addin...

Read about the new hire.

City News
Posted on: March 10, 2023

City marks 100th anniversary of Veterans Plaza with panoramic recreation

Crowd lines up for picture in front of Veterans Plaza

Hundreds of Boerne residents and veterans filled Veterans Plaza on Monday, March 6, 2023, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Graham Monument.

At the end of World War I, local leaders decided to erect a monument to memorialize the y...

Read about the park's history.

City News
Posted on: March 3, 2023

City announces next leader for Boerne Fire Department

Boerne Fire Chief Manuel Casarez

With teaching, service, and excellence at the heart of his resume, City Manager Ben Thatcher announced Friday, March 3, 2023, that Manuel “Manny” M. Casarez has been hired as the next Fire Chief for the Boerne Fire Department.

Born and ...

Learn about the new chief.

City News
Posted on: March 1, 2023

Patrick Heath Public Library Receives Excellence Award from Statewide Agency

Ben Thatcher, Kelly Skovbjerg, Ty Wolosin, Tim Handren pose with award

The City of Boerne’s Patrick Heath Public Library has received the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA), an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League.

“The staff at th...

Learn about the award.

City News
Posted on: February 10, 2023

Boerne Parks and Recreation announces new department leaders

Lissette Jimenez and Donnie Bergmann

The City of Boerne Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the promotion of two longtime leaders to be the department’s next Director and Assistant Director.

This week, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Lissette Jimenez took over as...

Read about these leaders.

City News
Posted on: February 7, 2023

Winter Storm Recap: How the City Responded

A Boerne Utilities electric crews works from a cherry picker truck

February kicked things off in true winter fashion as we have experienced what we hope is our big winter weather event for the season. The brunt of last week's winter weather and cold temperatures are in the rearview mirror, and we wanted to provide a brie...

Read the update.

City News
Posted on: September 22, 2022

City leads meeting for solar eclipse safety preparations

City and other local officials attend eclipse planning meeting.

The City of Boerne and several area partners met Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, for a safety planning meeting ahead of two solar eclipses set to occur in the Hill Country over the next two years.

Tuesday’s meeting, held at the Boerne Fire Department, is the thir...

Read about the preparations.

City News
Posted on: January 26, 2023

City breaks ground on large sidewalk extension, utility improvement project

City leaders pose with shovels at groundbreaking ceremony

City leaders braved the colder weather on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, to break ground on a much-need sidewalk expansion and utility improvement project in central Boerne.

The Capital Improvement Project will see the addition of nearly one mile...

Read about the project.

City News
Posted on: December 14, 2022

City renames three departments responsible for development

Graphic Reads: Developing and Building in Boerne

Three departments at the City of Boerne that work with residents and contractors on development projects have been renamed as part of an effort to bring clarity to the development process at the City.

As of Dec. 16, 2022, the following departments have bee...

See the updates.

City News
Posted on: December 2, 2022

Library preserves Boerne history with digital archive

Boerne Public Library logo

The Patrick Heath Public Library recently launched an online archive of thousands of documents and pictures related to Boerne’s history, marking a major milestone in a project that has been years in the making.

The library hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony ...

Check out the archive.

City News
Posted on: November 28, 2022

Boerne Utilities customers can now pay bills by text message

Graphic reads: Pay your utility bill via text

The City of Boerne now offers a new text message payment option for Boerne Utilities customers. This option gives customers another safe and secure payment method available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are interested in this option, please fol...

Learn how to sign up.

City News
Posted on: November 9, 2022

Bond Election Results: Voters approve City's Prop A and Prop B

Graphic reads: Bond Propositions Approved by Voters

Prop A and Prop B Approved

The City of Boerne’s two bond propositions were approved by voters in the November 8, 2022, General Election. The two propositions – Prop A for Streets and Mobility ($23 million) and Prop B for Parks and Open ...

See the vote totals.

City News
Posted on: November 18, 2022

City hosts Oak Wilt Management Workshop

Ryan Bass presents at Oak Wilt Management Workshop

The City of Boerne hosted a workshop Nov. 16 to provide information about oak wilt and what resources are available for treatment and prevention.

The Oak Wilt Management Workshop, co-hosted by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas A&M AgriLife...

Learn about oak wilt.

City News
Posted on: October 14, 2022

City rolls out new online chat feature for utility customers

graphic reads "new live chat for utilities customers"

Boerne Utilities customers have a new way to connect with a Customer Care representative in the form of an online chat feature.

The new live chat feature can be accessed by visiting the Boerne Utilities Customer Care and Billing webpage and clicking on the...

Learn about Live Chat.

City News
Posted on: October 28, 2022

City partners with Kendall County to purchase brush grinder

the county's new mulch grinder called "the beast"

The City of Boerne partnered with Kendall County on the purchase of a new mulch grinder for the county’s brush collection site.

The new machine, dubbed the Beast and built by Bandit, is a 35-inch capacity horizontal grinder that will recycle brush and limb...

Read about this partnership.

City News
Posted on: October 11, 2022

Boerne named Scenic City and Award Finalist at TML Conference

Laura Haning, Ryan Bass, and Ben Thatcher hold Scenic Texas City award

The City of Boerne was recognized for two achievements during the Texas Municipal League annual conference in early October, including becoming a Certified Scenic City by Scenic Texas and placing as a finalist for a Municipal Excellence Award in Public Sa...

Read about the recognitions.

City News
Posted on: October 6, 2022

1,000 visitors flock to Main Plaza for Library’s Book and Arts Fest

A panel discussion at Book and Art Festival

Main Plaza was packed with lovers of literature on Saturday, October 1 for the annual Boerne Book and Arts Festival.

The festival, hosted by Boerne’s Patrick Heath Public Library, brought an estimated 1,000 visitors to the park for author discuss...

Read about the festival.

City News
Posted on: September 19, 2022

Boerne Fire Chief announces retirement after 40-year fire service career

Photo shows a picture of Fire Chief Ray Hacker

The City of Boerne announced Monday the retirement of Boerne Fire Chief Ray Hacker.

Chief Hacker will be retiring on October 21 following a 40-year career in fire service.

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women who comprise the Boerne Fire De...

Read about Chief Hacker's retirement.

City News
Posted on: August 24, 2022

City budget lowers tax rate, increases public safety

Graphic reads "Lower tax rate, public safety highlight budget"

The City of Boerne's budget for fiscal year 2023 was approved by City Council at the Sept. 27 council meeting. This was the second and final vote to approve the budget. The first vote of approval was held at the Sept. 13 council meeting.

The overa...

See the budget.

City News
Posted on: August 26, 2022

City of Boerne Honors Its Superhero Employees

Group picture of City of Boerne employees with 15 years of tenure.

Employee Appreciation and Recognition

Each of the City of Boerne’s more than 300 employees work diligently each day to make our community a wonderful place to live. Their efforts can be seen across all departments and are evidenced by the numerou...

See a list of recognized employees.

City News
Posted on: August 16, 2022

City of Boerne unveils new logo

City of Boerne Logo

The City of Boerne unveiled its new logo and branding story at the Aug. 16, 2022, City Council meeting, where councilmembers approved its adoption.

The City began the rebranding project at the end of last year. Staff reviewed bids from more than a dozen ma...

Read about the new logo.

City News
Posted on: August 1, 2022

Q&A: Talking water with Boerne Utilities director

Graphic reads "Utilities Director talks Water Conservation" over picture of Boerne City Lake

Hear from Utilities Director Mike Mann

Water management and conservation have remained a priority as Boerne and nearly the entire state of Texas continue to experience a prolonged drought and higher than normal temperatures in 2022.

With this in mind, we ch...

Hear from Boerne Utilities Director Mike Mann.

City News
Posted on: June 30, 2022

City of Boerne launches new tool to report water violations

Water sprinkler with text reading "new webpage for water violations"

Residents have a new tool to notify the City of Boerne of potential watering violations as we work together to conserve water and highlight the current Stage 2 Water Restrictions requirements.

Historical water data shows an increase in usage in the summert...

Learn about water conservation.

City News
Posted on: July 15, 2022

Visit Boerne: CVB gets new name for destination marketing

Exterior of Boerne Visitors Center. A limestone building with a tall tree to the left.

The City of Boerne’s Convention and Visitors Bureau will now be known simply as Visit Boerne – a change that more accurately represents the work of the department’s dedicated staff.

The switch to Visit Boerne reflects a state and nationwide shift in the re...

Learn more about Visit Boerne.

City News
Posted on: June 7, 2022

Foster dogs spend time at City Hall in new program

City employees sits on floor and plays with black dog

Your new furry friend might just be spending some time at City Hall as part of a partnership between the Animal Care Services and Customer Care and Billing departments.

The dogs, which are available for adoption at Boerne ACS, have been spending part of th...

Read more about the foster program.

City News
Posted on: June 23, 2022

Reminders about swimming in pools, natural creeks, streams

kayak floats on the water at Boerne City Lake

As the summer heat continues to shine brightly on the Texas Hill Country, the City of Boerne would like to take a moment to remind residents and visitors of some simple ways to safely cool off this summer. 

One of the most popular ways to beat the...

Check out these safety tips.

City News
Posted on: June 23, 2022

Boerne honored among best Texas destinations in 2022 Texas Travel Awards

People walk downtown for Dickens on Main

The City of Boerne nabbed three “best of” accolades in the 2nd annual Texas Travel Awards. Launched by the publishers of Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine and Texas Music, the awards were created to celebrate the top travel destinat...

Read more about the honor.

City News
Posted on: May 12, 2022

Boerne IT wins award for collaborative public safety project

Small Boerne Police trailer with camera mast and solar panels

The City of Boerne’s Information Technology Department received an award for their work to retrofit a retired radar trailer into a mobile video security unit for the Boerne Police Department.

The 2022 Excellence Award was given to the IT department by the ...

Learn more about this IT project.

City News
Posted on: March 11, 2022

City to expand B.O.N.D. Meetings

Cartoon graphic with "BOND" spelled out in thought bubbles over houses

As the City continues to plan for the future, a newly created program will be expanding its reach.

“B.O.N.D. is a community outreach program facilitated by the City,” Planning and Community Development Director Laura Haning said of the City’s Boerne Open N...

Learn about the BOND meetings.

City News
Posted on: May 16, 2022

ACS adoption event finds 26 pets forever homes

man and woman hold white dog they adopted at event

Almost 30 pets found their forever home at a Boerne Animal Care Services adoption event May 7 at Tusculum Brewing Company.

The furry friends included 20 kittens and six puppies, all of which were under the care of Boerne ACS.

“We are so thrilled with the tu...

Learn more about this ACS event.

City News
Posted on: April 20, 2022

Boerne named Tree City USA for 12th-straight year

Tree City USA logo

The City of Boerne has once again been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to urban forestry. The honor, given in recognition of the City’s work in 2021, marks the 12th-straight year Boerne has achieved this stat...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: April 19, 2022

Scout project for fish habitat gives Fire Dept. training opportunity

eagle scout Barron Cohoon stands next to fish habitat project

A months-long Eagle Scout project culminated Monday, April 18 when the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation staff helped a local teen improve the fish habitat in Boerne City Lake.

Boy Scout J. Barron Cohoon completed his Eagle Scout Project by sinking ...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: February 18, 2022

Boerne Mobility Master Plan

boerne mobility master plan logo

The Mobility Master Plan is a long-range plan that casts a vision for future transportation investment in and around the City of Boerne.

Additional Info... City News
Posted on: January 24, 2022

City planning director recognized for conservation efforts in UDC

Laura Haning with award from Cibolo Center

The Cibolo Center for Conservation recognized Laura Haning, the director of the City’s Planning and Community Development department, for her leadership during the creation of the Unified Development Code.

The Unified Development Code (UDC) combi...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: December 21, 2021

City employees volunteer at local nonprofits for Give Back Days

City of Boerne employees volunteering

During this season of giving, 37 employees from the City of Boerne teamed up to volunteer at local nonprofits during the month of December.

The City’s Human Resources department coordinated the Employee Give Back Days, partnering with Hill Country Daily Br...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: December 6, 2021

Citizen Commendation: Man honored for rescuing driver from Cibolo Creek

Cord Johnson shakes hands with Mayor Tim Handren

A Hill Country resident has been recognized with a Citizen Commendation for heroic and life-saving actions taken when he pulled a driver from a vehicle that crashed into Cibolo Creek Nov. 22.

The driver of the car lost consciousness during a medical episod...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: November 2, 2021

20 trees planted at Boerne City Lake Park

Community members gather around one of the trees planted for Arbor Day in Boerne

Twenty new trees were planted Tuesday at Boerne City Lake Park.

Members of the City’s Park and Recreation Department, alongside the Boerne Rotary Club, Burkett Arbor Care and the Texas A&M Forest Services worked together to plant the Cider El...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: October 20, 2021

Kitten rescued from truck engine by Animal Care Services

ACS technicians Stefanie and Elida with rescue kitten Ford

Two technicians from Boerne Animal Care Services rescued a 5-week-old kitten from the engine bay of large pickup truck this week.

Ellie Huron and Stefanie Fisher responded to the call on Monday after a man heard the kitten crying while driving through town...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: October 14, 2021

City receives Municipal Excellence Award for student intern program

city staff accept TML Municipal Excellence Award

The City of Boerne received a 2021 Municipal Excellence Award at the Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Houston this October.

The award was given in recognition of management innovations demonstrated by the City’s cr...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: October 12, 2021

City of Boerne welcomes new Director of Finance

Sarah Buckelew Photo Updated

The City of Boerne welcomed a new member to its Leadership Team on Tuesday.

Sarah Buckelew officially began her first day as Director of Finance, joining the City from nearby Fair Oaks Ranch where she served in the same role for nearly five years. She will...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: September 24, 2021

City, local groups partner to beautify community spaces

Native Plant Society planting flowers in Veterans Plaza

In just two days, more than 100 volunteers partnered with city staff to spruce up several areas in the heart of Boerne.

On September 15, 2021, the Boerne chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Hill Country chapter of the Texas Master Naturali...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: September 24, 2021

Boerne Parks and Rec. recognized for outstanding athletic programs

Boerne Parks and Rec. receives Platinum Member Award

The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation awarded two recognitions to the Boerne Parks and Recreation Department and its staff at the organization’s 96th annual conference in Wichita Falls this week.

With over 140 member organizations, including the City of Bo...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: July 19, 2021

Boerne named ‘film friendly’ by Texas Film Commission

Film Friendly Texas logo imposed over photo of Boerne Main Plaza

Boerne could soon be the backdrop of your next favorite TV show, movie or commercial after the city was named a Film Friendly Certified Community by the Texas Film Commission (TFC).

The Film Friendly Texas program provides ongoing training and guidance on ...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: July 15, 2021

New interpretive sign tells rich history of Boerne Crusaders Club

Picture of the Boerne Crusaders Club informational sign along Cibolo Creek

The City of Boerne unveiled a new interpretive sign July 15 along the Cibolo Creek Trail to tell the story of the Boerne Crusaders Club, in operation from 1969 to 2019. The new sign overlooks an area of town known as “the Flats,” which was once home to th...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: June 16, 2021

City celebrates retirement of 2 long-time public servants

headshots for Jeff Thompson and Pamela Bransford

The City of Boerne’s Deputy City Manager and Boerne Utilities General Manager Jeff Thompson, who has been with the City since 2007, and Communications Director Pamela Bransford, with the City since 2006, are set to retire beginning in July.

The City is pro...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: April 15, 2021

Library recognized for outstanding work, community efforts

2020 library award team photo

Our Patrick Heath Public Library was recently cited by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association for the 2020 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award.

The award recognizes 10 areas of service and outstanding contributions our library makes to ...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: April 15, 2021

Police department recognizes officers during 2020 awards ceremony

2020 Boerne police awards

The Boerne Police Department held their annual Awards Ceremony on March 11, 2021, to recognize exemplary service in 2020. 

“The police department is proud to recognize the hard work all these individuals and the rest of the team that make us succe...

Read on...

City News
Posted on: April 15, 2021

Despite pandemic, city continues to enable learning opportunities

Four students from BISD Champion High School have been interning at City hall

Not even a pandemic can stop the city of Boerne from helping those in our community. As part of the 2020-2021 academic school year, four students from Boerne Independent School District’s Champion High School have been interning at two different departmen...

Read on...

City News

News Flash

Posted on: May 8, 2023

General Election results for Mayor, City Council

"Vote Here" sign in front of City Hall

The results of the May 6, 2023, General Election for City of Boerne mayor and city council positions are listed below. The following is from the Kendall County Elections Office.

Mayor

  • Frank Ritchie – 1,575 votes
  • Nina Woolard – 499 votes

Ci...

See the results.

Top Stories
Posted on: April 14, 2023

Staff Profile: Claudia Lemon leads the Municipal Court

Claudia Lemon

Has one of Boerne’s finest ever gifted you a traffic ticket? If so, you have probably met Claudia Lemon and the staff at the Municipal Court.

For the last 19 years, Claudia has managed the day-to-day operations of the team that handles all Class C misdemea...

Learn more about Claudia.

Top Stories