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Dripping Springs is one step closer to making Rathgeber Natural Resources Park accessible to the public.
The city of Dripping Springs approved an interlocal road and easement agreement for park access and a development regulations agreement with Dripping Springs Independent School District, with the latter executed following both parties’ approval of the related road and easement agreement for Rathgeber Natural Resource Park. The agreement represents a key step in opening the roughly 300-acre park, which was donated to the city in 2020.
The council approved both the Interlocal Development Agreement and the easement agreement with the school district three to two.
The proposed agreement centers on granting the city a right-of-way easement through school district property. This would allow construction of a roadway connecting existing infrastructure near Wildwood Elementary School to the park. The project is divided into two phases: Phase One, already built by the district as a secondary access road, and Phase Two, which the city would design, fund and construct to extend access to the park.
Under the terms, the district would provide the easement at no cost while retaining the ability to set conditions, including safety restrictions such as prohibiting roadside parking. The city would be responsible for building and maintaining the roadway, as well as coordinating closely with the district during design to address topographical challenges and future campus needs.
Council discussion highlighted some uncertainty about the exact road alignment and easement boundaries, which will be finalized after further engineering and surveys. Officials emphasized that the agreement allows flexibility while ensuring cooperation between both parties.
The agreement is tied to a separate development-related interlocal agreement, with both requiring approval from the school district. If approved, city staff said the project would mark a significant milestone toward making Rathgeber Natural Resources Park accessible to the public.
During the work session, the council reviewed an updated Fiscal Year 2026 water and wastewater rate study. According to staff, the update builds on a March 3 presentation and focuses on revisions to the rate model developed with HDR.
The updated scenarios assume a 30-day utility fund balance, or about 8.3% of annual expenditures, with the goal of maintaining that level without dropping below it. Staff also examined how general fund contributions affect rates. The city currently contributes about 20% of sales tax revenue, but scenarios were modeled at 25% and 30%, with higher contributions reducing the need for larger rate increases.
Three scenarios were presented. According to staff, Scenario One includes the highest general fund contribution and lowest base fee, while Scenario Three maintains current contributions and results in higher base fees. All scenarios are structured to cover operating costs and debt obligations.
Council discussed concerns about rate impacts and requested additional options with more gradual increases.
