Hondo votes to join public utility agency

By Rosanne Fohn

Anvil Herald Reporter

Hondo City Council voted unanimously Monday to join the proposed Medina County Public Utility Agency. The county, three other cities in Medina County and four water supply districts serving unincorporated areas of the county are also voting this month on whether to join the agency. 

Converting the current Medina Water Alliance these entities already belong to into an agency would give the group more success in applying for federal, state and corporate grants for joint water projects, such as the proposed Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project the alliance has been discussing. This project would allow the group to store unused water available through each entity’s water rights in a common aquifer, then withdraw it proportionally to use in dry years. As a member of the agency, each entity would maintain its independence in operating its water system.

“I have been privileged to sit on this (alliance) with the other water entities. This is progress,” explained Mayor John McAnelly. “This change will enable us to quality for grants. It makes us stronger together.”

Councilman Porky Ytuarte asked about any costs associated with joining the agency. City Manager John Naron said that the costs would remain the same as the city’s share as a partner in the alliance “unless members drop out.” He added that any project the agency proposes would be brought before city council for approval before the city proceeds.

Other members of the alliance considering possibly joining the agency include the cities of Castroville, Devine and La Coste; and the following water purveyors: East Medina County Special Utility District, Medina County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2, West Medina Water Supply Corporation and Yancey Water Supply Corporation, which has been leading the effort.

Façade Improvement Grants

City Council also unanimously approved the first reading of the Hondo Economic Development Corporation’s resolution to allocate an additional $30,000 for the Hondo Façade Improvement Grant. The grant provides 50% of the funding, up to $10,000, for a business owner to improve the exterior of the business. Some of the eligible improvements include:

• Restoration of architectural details;

• Window replacement;

• New signage and lighting;

• New awnings and canopies;

• Painting, cleaning or re-siding.

The HEDC began the program in 2024 allocating $100,000, but only $20,480 was used, explained Executive Director Sean Patty. In 2025, $30,000 was allocated and nearly all the money – $28,962 – was used. The HEDC wants to continue the program another year with $30,000, as it is an investment in local businesses.

City Manager John Naron said, “I’ve seen this program fail miserably in other cities. Here, the program has met with a tremendous amount of success, and it makes a tremendous difference.” 

The mayor added, “This is not the first time we have done this type of program, but with this one we can see the difference.”

Council will hold a second reading of the HEDC’s resolution at a future meeting. If it is approved again, the HEDC funds can be transferred from its investments into its operating budget for this year.

Citizen speakers

Council also heard from two residents in the Citizens to Be Heard section of the meeting.

Florastella Gonzales was concerned that the city has not initiated its Animal Advisory Committee or provided another spay and neuter event since 2025. In checking with the State Constitution and Statutes, Title 10, Health and Safety of Animals, Chapter 823, Section 823.001, counties with a population of less than 75,000 people are exempt from having an advisory board.

Citizen George Berry was concerned that the city is planting trees by the golf course when water usage is a concern.