CM optimistic about Hondo’s direction

By Rosanne Fohn

Anvil Herald Reporter

With a healthy year-end surplus in the General Fund, the city of Hondo has a lot to be thankful for as 2026 begins.

At the Dec. 8 council meeting, City Finance Director Chris Hill reported that the city had a $37,000 surplus in the General Fund and interest income of $953,394 as of Sept. 30, the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. 

In a separate interview discussing progress made during the 2025 calendar year, Mayor John McAnelly said, “We are in good financial condition. Our various funds far exceed their targets of 90 days of operating reserves. With a fine staff, we have rebuilt trust through transparency and multiple means of communication. We have a city council that knows how to work together and how to disagree while having the city’s best interests at heart.”

With the stability of two years under City Manager John Naron, many of the city’s issues are being addressed, such as preserving streets and addressing long-delayed utility improvements. In addition, all of the city’s departments have been audited for productivity, efficiency and future needs.

Staff strength

“One of the things I’m proudest of (in 2025) is how far we’ve come in making Hondo a great place to work,” Naron said. “During my 2023 (job) interview, it was made clear that building a more positive, stable work environment was a key part of the job. Together we have taken real steps to make that happen. We’ve worked hard to improve compensation, strengthen benefits and ensure that employees feel valued and supported. That’s led to a noticeable reduction in turnover and better team morale across departments.” 

In fact, there has been a 49% decrease in employees leaving the city since 2022 when 37 employees left the city. In 2025, only 19 employees left the city. 

One notable example is the Hondo Police Department that had only one person leave the department this year, an animal control employee. “Having little turnover in our police department is a rarity, especially among small, Texas police departments,” Chief Justin Soza said.

Naron added, “This stability has allowed the department to focus on continued progress, whether advancing toward accreditation, implementing new technology to improve operations or enhancing community engagement. They’ve raised the bar across the board and were awarded major grant funding this year, which will support critical improvements in equipment and training.” 

Efficiency

Pride, professionalism and a sense of shared purpose is the result of being appreciated, Naron said. As a result, multiple departments are now being entrusted with developing or using skills for jobs that previously had been sent out for bids, providing efficiency while saving the city money.

For example, this year city employees built or renovated five lighted recreational fields and performed much of the renovation work at the Fair Hall that is now being rented regularly, bringing income to the city.

“Those efforts are paying off. Departments like Buildings & Grounds, Streets and Electrical have completed multiple projects that would have cost the city significantly more if outsourced. It’s a real testament to the skill and dedication of our employees. They’re stretching tax dollars further while still delivering results,” Naron said.

Preparing for growth

“One of the most important responsibilities we have is preparing Hondo for the future. Growth is coming, whether it’s through new housing, businesses or increased demand on our water, roads and electric systems. That’s why infrastructure planning has become such a central focus for both council and staff,” Naron said.

In 2025, the city invested in a major downtown water tower repair that had been put off until it was critical. “Just as importantly, council approved a proactive water tank maintenance contract,” Naron said. “Instead of reacting to problems, we now have a structured, professional plan to maintain some of the most important pieces of the city’s water infrastructure on a schedule, removing politics from the equation and saving tax dollars down the line.”

Departments also have a forward-thinking mindset. “Our street repairs, drainage improvements and alley cleanups are not just about today’s needs. We’re laying the groundwork for a growing community. Staff are being more strategic with planning and we’re focused on making sure the proper infrastructure is in place before new growth arrives,” he said.

A small housing development is underway and others are under consideration. The mayor added that the city also is helping those who need it the most by providing housing through the HOMES program, a grant program with funding through the state.

“Through the HOMES grants, five older homes have been replaced and three more are in the works,” Naron said, giving those community members pride in where they live and the satisfaction of having fulfilled the requirements to achieve a better place to live.

Community collaboration

“One of the things I’ve appreciated most this year is the level of collaboration happening in Hondo. Whether it’s the county, school district, EDC (Hondo Economic Development Corporation) or Chamber, everyone is working together and communicating regularly. We know we’re just one call or email from helping each other out,” Naron said.

Some examples of this are the banners promoting the city on light poles along US 90 and downtown, which were designed by the chamber, installed by the city and financed by the EDC. And downtown happenings are often joint events.

“Many have enjoyed the downtown music and movie nights through the summer,” the mayor said, as well as shopping events, fundraisers that get people together to help nonprofits, and the Christmas in God’s Country event and parade.

Looking ahead

“Cities are complex, with a lot of moving parts, and the work is never done. We know we won’t make everyone happy all the time, but we remain committed to doing our best each day. I genuinely believe we have the right people in the right seats to keep moving Hondo forward,” the city manager said.

“The progress we’ve made in culture, efficiency, infrastructure and community partnerships shows that we’re on the right track. There’s more work to do, but I’m confident in the team, the vision and the future we’re creating together.”