Frequently Asked Questions on Water, Growth, Service, and Trust

This FAQ is designed to answer common campaign questions in plain language. It focuses on facts, local values, and Neal’s reason for serving: he was born in New Braunfels, loves this community, and wants to help protect the place we call home while facing the future responsibly.

Water

  • No. The claim that New Braunfels is simply running out of water is misleading.
  • Water is a serious issue, and it deserves serious planning. But New Braunfels Utilities has been planning for long-term water supply for decades. In fact, NBU has secured water supply through at least the year 2075.
  • Based on NBU’s estimated scenario of future demand compared to future supply, NBU would not need to increase its water supply until after 2075. And if customers continue to reduce water use in line with current trends, existing water supplies could remain sufficient for a much longer period.
  • That is a very different story from saying New Braunfels is “running out of water.”
  • Neal believes responsible leadership means continuing that planning, protecting our water resources, and telling residents the truth instead of spreading fear.

  • New Braunfels Utilities has worked for decades to diversify our water supply so the community is not dependent on one source.

  • NBU currently has water rights from seven different suppliers, including groundwater, surface water, and wholesale water sources. When planning for the future, NBU looks at both supply availability and customer use under the worst drought conditions.
  • That is why the facts matter: New Braunfels has a diversified water supply and a long-term plan.
  • Neal believes responsible leadership means continuing that planning, protecting our water resources, and telling residents the truth instead of spreading fear.
  • Growth, drought, and infrastructure needs are real concerns, so it is easy for political messages to turn those concerns into fear.
  • Neal believes residents deserve the full picture: water must always be taken seriously, but the facts do not support the claim that New Braunfels has failed to plan or is on the verge of running dry.
  • New Braunfels Utilities has secured long-term water supply, and the job of local leaders is to keep that planning strong, transparent, and accountable.
  • NBU has planned decades ahead for water supply. It has secured water supply through at least 2075, and current projections show that NBU would not need to increase water supply until after 2075 under the estimated future demand scenario.
  • Even better, if customers continue reducing water use in line with current trends, existing water supplies could last well beyond that timeframe.
  • This is exactly why facts matter. New Braunfels should keep planning carefully, but fear-based claims do not tell the whole story.
  • Because good planning and good conservation go hand in hand. NBU’s long-term water supply planning is good news, but it does not mean we should waste water.
  • Water restrictions help manage demand during dry conditions, protect our resources, and extend existing supplies. Just because we have planned for the future does not mean we should abuse what we have today.
  • Neal believes New Braunfels should be honest about the facts: we have planned responsibly for the future, and we should also continue practicing strong conservation today. Both can be true.
  • The city should keep working with New Braunfels Utilities, regional partners, and residents to plan for reliable water supply, smart infrastructure, conservation, and responsible development standards.
  • Neal supports a practical approach: tell the truth, plan early, invest wisely, encourage conservation, and make sure residents understand both the challenges and the solutions.
  • Yes. Taking water seriously does not mean spreading panic. It means respecting the work already done, asking hard questions, preparing for the future, and making decisions based on facts rather than rumors.
  • Neal believes New Braunfels must continue to plan responsibly for water, but residents should also know the truth: NBU has secured water supply through at least 2075.

Growth

  • The top three tools are planning, infrastructure standards, and impact fees.
  • Planning helps the city prepare for roads, utilities, public safety, and future needs before problems get worse.
  • Infrastructure standards help make sure new development is built responsibly and does not ignore the needs of the community.
  • Impact fees help ensure growth pays for growth by requiring new development to help cover the cost of water and wastewater infrastructure instead of putting that burden on existing residents.
  • Neal believes growth should be managed responsibly, honestly, and with the tools the city is legally allowed to use.
  • Because the city cannot legally stop all building just because people are frustrated with growth. Texas law protects private property rights and limits when a city can pause development.
  • A moratorium requires specific legal findings, public notice, hearings, and a real reason, such as a shortage of essential public facilities. Even then, it must be limited and temporary. It also cannot usually stop projects that already have legal rights under existing permits or applications.
  • Neal believes New Braunfels should manage growth with the tools the city actually has, including planning, infrastructure standards, and impact fees, while being honest about the law and respecting private property rights.
  • No. The city does have tools. It can plan roads and utilities, enforce development rules, update ordinances, coordinate with regional partners, and make sure growth pays attention to infrastructure and quality of life.
  • One important tool is impact fees. New Braunfels Utilities implemented maximum allowable water and wastewater impact fees effective February 1, 2023. For a residential 5/8 inch meter, those fees total $25,692, including $19,448 for water and $6,244 for wastewater.
  • These fees are designed to make sure new development helps pay for the capital costs of infrastructure growth instead of placing those costs on existing customers. They also help manage growth by requiring development to account for the real cost of water and wastewater infrastructure.
  • Neal’s approach is to use the tools the city actually has, not promise powers the city does not have.
  • Impact fees are charges paid by new development to help cover the cost of expanding infrastructure needed to serve that development.
  • In New Braunfels, NBU’s maximum allowable water and wastewater impact fees help ensure that new growth contributes to the capital costs of water and wastewater infrastructure. For a residential 5/8 inch meter, the total fee is $25,692.
  • That matters because growth should help pay for growth. These fees protect existing customers from carrying infrastructure costs that are created by new development.
  • Yes. Impact fees are one of the lawful tools available to help manage growth. They do not stop growth entirely, and they should not be described as a magic solution, but they do require new development to account for the cost of infrastructure.
  • That is a responsible way to manage growth while respecting private property rights and following the law.
  • Neal believes private property rights matter. They are part of the foundation of our country and our state. City leaders should respect those rights while also working to protect neighborhoods, infrastructure, public safety, and the character of New Braunfels.
  • That balance takes honest leadership, not easy sound bites.
  • By planning carefully, insisting on responsible infrastructure, protecting what makes New Braunfels unique, and making decisions that respect both longtime residents and future generations.
  • That includes using lawful tools like development standards, infrastructure planning, and impact fees, while being honest about what the city can and cannot legally do.
  • Neal was born here. He understands why people are worried about losing the character of New Braunfels, and he is serving because he loves this community and wants to help preserve it.
  • People are right to care about the look and feel of New Braunfels. Growth has changed the community, and quality of life remains a priority.
  • As the city gets closer to being built out, New Braunfels is focusing on smart planning, revitalizing older areas, preserving open space where possible, encouraging green space in new projects, and continuing to add parks and trails.
  • Neal believes New Braunfels can manage growth in a way that respects property rights while still protecting the character, beauty, and quality of life that make this community special.

Neal, Service, and Trust

  • Neal was born in New Braunfels and is serving his community because he loves it. This is personal to him. New Braunfels is not just a place on a map; it is home.
  • His focus is on service, stewardship, and doing the work residents expect from local leadership.
  • No. Neal is paid $75 per City Council meeting. Public service at this level is not a way to get rich. He is doing the job because he cares about New Braunfels, not because it is financially rewarding.
  • No. Neal is an estate planning lawyer. His legal work is focused on helping families plan for the future; it is not a development business, a water business, or a business that depends on city contracts.
  • His professional background does not mean he is making city decisions to help himself. Neal’s role as mayor is public service, and his responsibility is to the people of New Braunfels.
  • Impact fees are charges paid by new development to help cover the cost of expanding infrastructure needed to serve that development.
  • In New Braunfels, NBU’s maximum allowable water and wastewater impact fees help ensure that new growth contributes to the capital costs of water and wastewater infrastructure. For a residential 5/8 inch meter, the total fee is $25,692.
  • That matters because growth should help pay for growth. These fees protect existing customers from carrying infrastructure costs that are created by new development.
  • Yes, in the sense that it reflects discipline, preparation, listening, and problem-solving. But Neal’s work as an estate planning attorney does not create a personal financial interest in city growth decisions or water policy.
  • The important point is simple: Neal is not serving as mayor to enrich himself. He is serving because he cares about the community.
  • Ask whether the claim is based on facts, whether it reflects what the city can legally do, and whether it tells the whole story.
  • On water, the full story is that NBU has secured water supply through at least 2075. For water and planning facts visit NBU’s website and check out their Water Resources Plan.
  • On growth, the full story is that the city cannot simply stop growth, but it can use lawful tools like planning, infrastructure standards, and impact fees to manage growth responsibly.
  • Neal believes New Braunfels deserves honest conversations about hard issues, especially water and growth.
  • Fear is easy. Leadership means telling the truth and doing the work.

Quick Answers for Voters

  •  No. NBU has secured water supply through at least 2075, and current projections show NBU would not need to increase water supply until after 2075 under the estimated future demand scenario.
  • Yes. If customers continue reducing water use in line with current trends, existing water supplies could remain sufficient for a much longer period.
  • No. Cities must respect private property rights and follow Texas law.
  • Yes. The city can plan, enforce standards, coordinate infrastructure, and use lawful tools like impact fees.
  • Effective February 1, 2023, NBU implemented the highest legally allowed water and wastewater impact fees totaling $25,692 per residential 5/8 inch meter. That includes $19,448 for water and $6,244 for wastewater.
  • They help ensure new development pays for the capital costs of infrastructure growth instead of placing those costs on existing customers.
  • No. Neal is paid $75 per meeting.
  • No. Neal is an estate planning lawyer, and he is serving because he loves New Braunfels.
  • Neal was born in New Braunfels, loves this community, and wants to help protect its future.

Neal believes New Braunfels can respect property rights, plan for water, manage growth responsibly, and preserve the character of the community we love. That starts with honest answers, lawful tools, and steady leadership.

What Your City Council Has Accomplished

Over the past three years, we have delivered measurable results for New Braunfels, strengthening public safety, improving roads and infrastructure, expanding parks and trails, and protecting taxpayers, all while working to preserve the character and quality of life that make our community special.

Accomplishments :

  • Tax rate has been reduced or remained flat
  • 9 cents lower than benchmark cities (average)
  • Achieved and maintained ISO 1 Fire Rating (keeps property insurance low)
  • Completed new Fire Station No. 7
  • Renovated Fire Station No. 5
  • Fire Training Center planned and will break ground soon
  • RFQ issued for a new Police Training Center with shooting range
  • Funded improvements to current Police shooting range
  • Implemented Mobile Integrated Health Unit
  • Completed Matrix Consulting Police Department Staffing Study and began implementing recommendations
  • 25 full time equivalent positions added to public safety
  • Implemented lateral transfer program for the Police Department
  • Implemented a sign-on incentive for certified paramedics
  • Implemented electronic case submission with Comal County
  • Preemptive Traffic Signals currently being implemented
  • $256K+ from Governor for bullet proof doors on police vehicles
  • Community Survey – 80% indicate police services are excellent or good
  • Total crime down 6% from 2024
  • Hired excellent Police Chief and Fire Chief – data driven
  • Ride the Rio Transit Service launched
  • Northwest Park (131 acres), the largest park in NB purchased
  • Northwest Park master plan in progress
  • Northwest Park hike and bike trails to open this summer
  • Zipp Family Sports Park completed and opening this summer
  • Mission Hill Park facilities are under construction
  • Willard Canyon Park acquired and opened
  • Panther Canyon Upper Rim Trail opened
  • Alligator Creek Trail completed
  • Last Public Exit improvements completed
  • Landa Park Aquatics Center renovations completed
  • Landa Lake Dam improvements are being completed right now
  • Resident River Parking Pass program implemented to increase availability for residents at no fee
  • Library Express launched
  • Right-of-Way Beautification Team created to mow and clean public rights-of-way
  • Traffic Signal Box Art implemented
  • Downtown Right-of-Way Enhancements (landscaping, pedestrian lighting, and underground utilities)
  • Partnered with McKenna on Choose Kindness Program
  • Comprehensive Downtown Parking system established with Advisory Committee
  • Westside Library completed
  • Golf Course deck renovated
  • Updated Thoroughfare Plan adopted
  • Walnut Ave (County Line to Klein)
  • Walnut Ave (Business 35 to Landa)
  • San Antonio Street (Walnut to Academy)
  • Klein Road
  • Union Avenue
  • McQueeney Road
  • Altgelt Lane
  • Hunter Road
  • Goodwin Lane/Conrads Road under construction
  • Kohlenberg Lane in final design
  • Citywide Intersection Improvements
    • Walnut & Gardenia
    • SH 46W & Hueco Springs Loop
    • SH 46W & Mission Valley Road
    • SH 46 W & 1863/Alyssa Way
    • Loop 337 & Borchers Way
  • Common Street pedestrian improvements
  • Citywide pedestrian improvements
  • Land Use Fiscal Analysis adopted
  • Transit Development Plan adopted
  • Citywide Strategic Plan adopted
  • Civic/Convention Center Expansion Feasibility underway
  • ADA Transition Plan underway
  • Comprehensive Plan update underway
  • Land Development Ordinance underway
  • Systemwide Parks Masterplan underway
  • Northwest Park Masterplan underway
  • Thoroughfare Plan update adopted
  • Arts & Culture Masterplan underway
  • Pedestrian and Bike Network Plan underway
  • $2.2M invested in underground utilities, right-of-way, sidewalks, and drainage at San Antonio Street and Guenther Ave
  • $5M invested in Northeast Lakeview College campus
  • SPARK small business development center funded
  • Early Matters New Braunfels funding (early childhood education)
  • Dry Comal Creek Floodplain Remapping funded
  • Kohlenberg Road improvements – $2.9M investment
  • NBU downtown office acquired for future partnership in hotel development
  • Land banked properties in Gruene and at Zipp Family Sports Park for future projects
  • Leveraged over $210M in private capital investments
    • Continental/Aumovio
    • Lefko
    • Costco
  • New sales tax agreement with HD Supply (10%+ boost in sales tax to general fund)
  • Rolling tax note for public safety and vehicle replacement
  • Aligned pay scales to benchmark cities to retain talent
  • Tourism Public Improvement District – working with CVB to establish
  • TIRZ 4 established for Zipp Family Sports Park
  • TIRZ 5 established for West End redevelopment
  • One Water partnership with NBU & GBRA
  • $1M ARPA funds to Appleseed Apartments
  • $1M ARPA funds to Connections
  • $1.5M NBEDC funds to New Braunfels Youth Collaborative
  • $1M ARPA funds to Crisis Center
  • $2.3M NBEDC funds to Headwaters
  • $136K+ ARPA funds to Children’s Advocacy Center
  • $2.3M ARPA funds to New Braunfels Housing Partners
  • ESD7 contract adding $900k to general fund annually
  • $2.5M from ESD7 and partnering with LCRA for emergency service radio towers
  • $4M from ESD7 for Fire Training Center
  • $315K+ from Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan for biofiltration at golf course
  • Guadalupe County Master Drainage Plan funded by the Texas Water Development Board Flood Infrastructure Fund
  • Security upgrades at Fire Stations funded by the US Dept of Homeland Security
  • Comal County partnership on Emergency Operations Center
  • Texas Municipal League Excellence Award for Public Safety
  • Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community
  • Texas Transparency Trailblazer
  • Triple Crown Award
  • Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers:
    • Best Social Media Post
    • Best Planned Marketing Campaign
    • Best Planned Social Media Campaign
    • Award of Honor in Best Educational PSA Video
    • Best Recruiting Special Event
    • Award of Excellence, Best Marketing Plan or Campaign
  • Library Achievement in Excellence Award
  • Texas Recreation & Parks Society Park Development Innovation Award
  • Comal River recognized as National Recreation Trail by US Dept of Interior
  • National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal Winner
  • Texas Recreation and Park Society State Gold Medal Winner
  • Enhanced airport status from regional to National Airport
  • Market Plaza recognized as Texas Historical Site

What We’ll Work On Next

New Braunfels is growing, and our responsibility is to guide that growth wisely. My focus for the next term is to protect the character of the town I grew up in, keep our community safe, strengthen local opportunity, and ensure development is thoughtful, financially responsible, and aligned with our long-term vision.

Projects :

  • Economic Mobility
    • Housing options
      • Town centers
      • Workforce housing
    • Job opportunities
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Childcare
  • Community Identity
    • Update Envision New Braunfels with Land Use Fiscal Analysis
    • Adopt Land Development Ordinance
      • Protect historic structures
      • Protect/increase greenspace and tree canopy
    • Arts & Culture Master Plan
    • Preserve culture and identity through events
  • Enhanced Connectivity
    • Improve and maintain transportation network serving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, children, older individuals, individuals  with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles
    • Regional transportation options/services
    • Regional transportation connections
    • ADA improvements to sidewalks
  • Community Well-Being
    • Complete the Parks Master Plan
    • Pursue the next bond election to fund projects
    • Support New Braunfels Youth Collaborative
    • Work with Police, Fire, and non-profits to mitigate non-emergency responses
    • Improve community connectivity, encourage alternate modes of transportation, and support healthier lifestyles
  • Organizational Excellence
    • Customer satisfaction surveys to look for areas to improve
    • Stakeholder workshops and focus groups to identify areas to improve
    • Recruitment and succession planning for the best workforce
    • Use data for staffing and resource allocations
  • Work on community wealth building to keep taxes as low as possible
    • Primary jobs
    • Tourism
    • Industrial/Commercial property tax base
  • Expand signal box art program and other outdoor art installations
  • Add additional park land and trails
  • More multimodal transportation options
  • Make sure PD & FD have the staff and resources they need to keep us safe
  • Drought tolerant landscaping in Land Development Ordinance
  • Update Drought Contingency Plan and align conservation steps with surrounding entities
  • Increase energy resiliency, reliability, and affordability with thermal generation and battery storage
  • Preserve our historic buildings and cultural events
  • Community involvement and visibility
Canyon High School
Texas A&M University
St. Mary’s School of Law
Service to Community

Meet Neal

Roy “Neal” Linnartz was born and raised in New Braunfels by parents who instilled a love of their community in him. He graduated from Canyon High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M, and earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Neal married the love of his life, Teresa, in 2005, and they live in New Braunfels with their dog, Essie.

When not helping clients with legal issues, Neal devotes time to serving his community. Neal has current and past service to the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation, City of New Braunfels Building Standards Commission, Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, State Bar of Texas, Comal County Bar Association, Central Texas Dispute Resolution Center, Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels, Sophienburg Museum & Archives, Braunfels Foundation Trust, New Braunfels Elks Lodge, Comal Education Foundation, and Gruene Lions, among others.

Voting Information

Neal is grateful for the encouragement, prayers, and support from across our community. One of the most important ways you can help is by voting. Local elections are often decided by a small number of ballots, and every vote truly matters. Please make a plan to vote early or on Election Day and help shape the future of New Braunfels.

Register to Vote – Deadline April 2, 2026

Click Here

Early Voting Dates

Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21 - CLOSED
Saturday, April 25: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday, April 27 - Tuesday, April 28: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Early Voting Locations

Comal County Elections Office
396 N. Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas

Comal County Offices (Church Hill Annex Training Room, Suite 1400)
1345 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels, Texas

Garden Ridge City Hall (Municipal Court Room)
9400 Municipal Parkway, Garden Ridge, Texas

Election Day Voting

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Election Day Voting Locations

New Braunfels City Hall (Foyer)
550 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas

Garden Ridge City Hall (Municipal Court Room)
9400 Municipal Parkway, Garden Ridge, Texas

Westside Public Library
2932 S. IH 35, New Braunfels, Texas

New Braunfels Library (Large Meeting Room)
700 E. Common Street, New Braunfels, Texas

Comal County Offices (Church Hill Annex Training Room, Suite 1400)
1345 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels, Texas

Eden Hill (Town Hall)
631 Lakeview Boulevard, New Braunfels, Texas

Gruene Methodist Church (Mission and Outreach Building)
2629 E. Common Street, New Braunfels, Texas

Where & When to Vote

Early voting and Election Day locations for both counties. You must vote in your county of residence.

Guadalupe County

Early Voting — June 1–9
  • Mon–Fri, June 1–58 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 610 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 7CLOSED
  • Mon & Tue, June 8–97 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Election Day — Saturday, June 13
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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