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Whispering Creek Land Use Fiscal Analysis (Goal ED-1, Policy ED-1)

council3_rubal

Well-known member
Fellow Council Members,

This evening we will be discussing Ordinance An ordinance amending the Future Land Use Plan to change the land use designation from CC-Community Commercial to MD-Medium Density for an area of land, approximately 4.13 acres +/-, located within a larger tract of land, approximately 73.67 acres, located at the in the northeast corner of FM 1518 N and Maske Road.

Council members need to comprehend the financial implications of this ordinance on our City. As written in the ordinance, I am hope that out Development Driector will present a land use fiscal analysis in accordance with:
Goal ED-1, Policy ED-1.5: Initiate a parcel-level Land Use Fiscal Analysis to quantify the net revenue generated by and with existing and
proposed land uses, and include strategies for aligning zoning and incentives to attract fiscally productive development, specifically destination commercial, high-tech research and development, and advanced logistics compatible with JBSA missions.

It is anticipated that the full life-cycle cost will include projected road and infrastructure depreciation and repair, and estimates of the added need for Police and Fire personnel. Furthermore, who will pay for the water rights for this development?

The standard of 0.4 to 0.5 acre-feet (AF) per year per household is a widely used benchmark in Texas for municipal planning and water rights acquisition. It is based on a combination of indoor demand and the specific climate-driven irrigation needs of South Central Texas. It is a fundamental benchmark used by Texas developers and water planners to ensure a subdivision won't "run dry" during a drought.

Where does the 0.4–0.5 AF standard come from? It is derived from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) data and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Water Management Plan, which tracks "Gallons Per Capita Per Day" (GPCD).

Financial Impact: Edwards Aquifer Rights

Securing the permanent rights to pump this much water is where the math gets heavy. Based on the current market price of $10,600 per acre-foot: (THIS IS AN UNDERESTIMATE based on purchase by Leon Springs several years ago and does not account for nearly doubling of price due to drought and I-35 corridor growth.)

Must also include System Capacity for both average and peak use, as well as fire reserve.


Note on Cost:
At the conservative estimate of market rate of $10,600 per acre-foot for Edwards Aquifer rights, the city or developer would need to secure roughly $1.24 million worth of permanent water rights to service this development at full capacity.


IF water rights are not guaranteed by the developer who bears this burden? The City of Universal City is expected to have a deficit of 383 acre feet by 2027 by City estimates.
 
At last evening's meeting, the City Manager presented a Fiscal Analysis which incorporated the above concerns and showed a positive balance for the City. It indicated that we would be able to meet the needs of the residents in this development without it being a burden to current residents. This was the first financial analysis presented for a PUD in my Council tenure, and I hope that it becomes a routine part of all development processes. WE cannot burden our residents by subsidizing developers.
 
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