UPDATED: Chamber Hosts 4th Annual State Of The City Luncheon – Virtually

Terra Rivers | Managing Editor

On Wednesday, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual State of the City luncheon.

The event was held virtually this year due to the pandemic.

Ticket holders were provided lunch at one of four local restaurants, Palmer’s Restaurant, Bar & Courtyard, Black’s Barbecue, Ivar’s River Pub, and Aquabrew, where they watched a broadcast of Mayor Jane Hughson and Superintendent Michael Cardona address on the state of the city and state of the school district.  

Hughson opened her address by highlighting events and achievements from 2019.

In 2019, the City of San Marcos saw an increase in Sales Tax revenue, the addition of 840 new single-family homes, and permitted commercial and multi-family construction totaling $271 Million, according to Hughson.

“We were excited to launch a new decade and with it, a new vision for our community,” Hughson said. “We were well on our way to implementation our strategic priorities of workforce housing, multi-modal transportation, workforce development, and downtown vitality.”

In January, the San Marcos City Council added sustainability to its list of strategic initiatives for 2020.

However, the city issued a disaster declaration in March as the coronavirus novel caused the “greatest health crisis since the Spanish flu of 1918 and the greatest economic crisis since the great recession of 2008.”

“San Marcos has begun its journey into a new decade, and already we’ve been tested by events in 2020,” Hughson said. “During this difficult time, many have truly embodied the spirit of stronger together.”

Hughson noted the actions taken by City Council and city staff to help residents and businesses during the economic crisis; these actions included postponing disconnects and waiving late fees on utility bills, establishing a grant program for local businesses impacted by COVID, removing bus fairs and working with local hotels.

“Our parks staff has made over 3,000 wellness check phone calls to members of the senior community,” Hughson said. “The library’s front porch pickup system is still providing books and resources to patrons.”

Interim Police Chief Bob Klett and Director of Public Safety Chase Stapp spoke briefly about the San Marcos Police Department’s recent loss.

According to Klett, Officer Paul Beller, who was struck by a vehicle on I-35 in March and suffered “devastating head and physical trauma,” is still in the hospital fighting his injuries.

“I think anyone who knows Paul knows he is never one to give up, period,” Klett said.

Klett said Justin Putnam, like Ken Copeland, was an officer who was well-loved in the department and well-received in the community.   

the department and the community come together to reaffirm the love and respect in Officer Justin Putnam’s service.

“The story that needs to be told is the resilience of our officers and what they do,” Klett said. “But we don’t do that by ourselves. It comes with that community support.”

According to Stapp, Officer Justin Mueller returned to serving full duty the week of July 20, and officer Franco Stewart is well on his way to doing the same.

“Both of them definitely could have lost their lives and probably should have lost their lives given the severity of their injuries,” Stapp said. “It illustrates the fact that the job of a police officer is truly a calling; it’s not something you do just to pay the bills.”

The San Marcos Public Library expansion and renovation of the existing spaces are projected to be completed by the end of April 2021.

And substantial completion of the new Fire Station #4 located in La Cima will be reached in early October. The Fire Department expects full completion on or around Oct. 26 and be able to move in throughout November and December.

During his address, Cardona highlighted the district’s new career-ready, college-ready and military-ready facility which has been completed, the district’s growing dual-language program, the district’s AVID, and Gear Up Programs.

“We were just notified by the state of Texas that our high school is considered an early college high school,” Cardona said. 

According to Cardona, San Marcos CISD will see 100 students amongst the incoming freshman entering the early-college program; last year, the district had 48 enrolled in the program with approximately 42 making it through.

“Are we where we want to me? No, our goal was to be an A rated district,” Cardona said. “And at some point we will get to be that A rated district.”

SMCISD is expected to begin the school year on September 8. All students will be remote for at least the first four weeks; parents will have the option of choosing on-campus or remote learning after the first nine weeks.

The last day of school will be June 3, 2021.

“I wish we were in a better place, but it is what it is,” Cardona said. “And together, we’re going to get through this, the trials and the tribulations. We’re going to be much better after this.”

The State of the City and School District is available for viewing here.