News Flash

San Marcos to Enter Stage 1 Drought Restrictions

The City of San Marcos will enter Stage 1 drought restrictions, effective Sunday, July 12, in response to dropping aquifer levels.

“We have had a dry year so far, and increasing temperatures mean people are watering more,” said Tom Tagg...

Brushy Waste Drop-Off & Community Clean-Up Saturday

The City of San Marcos will host a brushy waste drop-off and community clean-up for residential garbage and recycling service customers on Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 750 River Road.

Residents driving to the drop-off will take the San Marcos...

City Highlights Essential Services of Parks & Recreation

The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating July’s “Parks and Recreation Month,” by highlighting the selfless, passionate and essential work of park and recreation professionals who are providing ser...

Council to Consider Funding COVID-19 Testing with CDBG

The San Marcos City Council is seeking comments on a proposal to add a COVID-19 testing program to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2019-2020 Action Plan using $105,530 of the newly issued $425,261 CDBG-Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) funds. Co...

July City Hall Calendar

Meetings listed below are subject to change. Please check

with the City Clerk’s office for official postings.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Historic Preservation Commission – 5:45 p.m. Location information will be available prior to th...

Free COVID Test Site Open July 12-16 in San Marcos

Free, walk-up COVID-19 testing will be offered at San Marcos High School, 2601 Rattler Road, daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Sunday, July 12 to Thursday, July 16. This testing opportunity is made possible by the Texas Division of Emergency Managemen...

City Receives Additional State Transit Funding

The City of San Marcos has been awarded $257,257 in State Small Urban formula funds for transit expenses from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).

This funding is in addition to a $6.4 million disaster relief CARES Act grant for public transit e...

San Marcos River Parks to Close at 8 p.m. Thursday June 25

The City of San Marcos river parks will be closed again until further notice as of 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. The dog park, the skate park, and natural areas will remain open, but visitors to these areas should observe CDC recommendations on social dist...

Virtual Children’s Patriotic Costume Contest Call for Entries

The City of San Marcos is now accepting photo entries for the SummerFest Virtual Children’s Patriotic Costume Contest.

In an effort to continue the fun tradition for families, the annual contest will be administered through Facebook due to the in...

City Announces July 4 Fireworks Postponed, Holiday Closures

Due to concerns about the rise in COVID-19 cases in San Marcos, the City of San Marcos is announcing that the annual July 4 fireworks display is being postponed until further notice. Staff will continue to discuss and monitor the situation to determine wh...

Citizen Tips Help SMPD Identify Fatal Hit and Run Suspect

Due in major part to citizen tips, the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) has been able to identify and arrest the suspected driver involved in the June 1 fatal hit and run incident.

Brenda Vasquez Hurtado (DOB 11/27/78) of San Marcos su...

City Council, P&Z Commission Host Joint Downtown Design Workshop

The San Marcos City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission will be participating in a virtual, Joint Workshop to discuss downtown design on Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held virtually on Zoom. A link to join the meeting will be po...

COVID Testing Site Tests over 700 Sunday, More Tests Scheduled

City of San Marcos officials announced that the free COVID-19 testing site at Bonham Pre-k school on Sunday, June 14 tested at least 701 people throughout the day. The testing was coordinated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Texas...

Driver Killed in Train Collision Sunday Morning

A driver was killed when he was struck by a train on Sunday morning at the McCarty Lane railroad track intersection.

On Sunday, June 14 at approximately 9:05 a.m., the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD), San Marcos Fire Department and Hays County EMS were...

Summer Camp Online Registration Begins June 15

Starting Monday, June 15, the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department will open online registration to San Marcos residents for the Discovery Camp and Summer Fun summer camp programs. Non-residents will be able to register beginning Monday, Jun...

Free COVID Testing Scheduled for San Marcos June 14 & 20

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced yesterday that they will offer free COVID-19 testing in San Marcos on Sunday, June 14 and Saturday, June 20 as part of the Governor’s new initiative to test underserved communities.

&quo...

Major Collision Results in Traffic Fatality Tuesday Night

The driver of a Dodge pickup truck was killed and the highway closed when his vehicle ran into the back of a semi-trailer on southbound IH35 Tuesday night.

At approximately 10:37 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, the San Marcos Police Department, Fire Department, a...

City Completes Street Overlay Projects

The Transportation Division of the City’s Public Services Department recently completed street overlay projects on Cape Road, Cheatham Street, Mosscliff Circle and Post Road.

Overlay projects are one component of the City’s Pav...

Transit Detour Due to Cape Road Construction/Desvió de Transito por la Construcción en Cape Road

This week the City of San Marcos transit services began implementing a detour on Route 4 which is expected to continue for the duration of the City’s Main Lift Station Force Main Replacement construction on Cape Road, tentatively scheduled to en...

Stormwater Improvements, River Road Detour Starting June 8

On Monday, June 8, the City’s Engineering & Capital Improvements Department will begin work on a one-year, $7.8-million project to provide flood protection for the Blanco Gardens Neighborhood.

“This is the beginning of multiple proj...

SMPD Searching for Suspect in Last Night’s Hit and Run Fatality

The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is asking the public for help identifying the driver of a vehicle that hit a pedestrian in the 1600 block of Post Road last night at around 10 p.m. and resulted in the victim’s death.

The San Marcos Fire De...

June City Hall Calendar

Meetings listed below are subject to change. Please check with the City Clerk’s office for official postings.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

City Council Proclamations – 2 p.m., Virtual, Televised live on Spectrum Ch. 10 and Grande Ch. 1...

San Marcos Announces Summer Program Updates

The City of San Marcos is announcing cancellations and tentative scheduling of summer programs in response to COVID-19 restrictions. Plans for annual summer programming for the Parks and Recreation Department, Public Library and Fire Department are below:...

Victim Identified, Suspect Sought in Yesterday’s Shooting

The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of a woman that occurred early Saturday evening.

On Saturday, May 30 at approximately 6:51 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Redpoint Apartments (formerly Th...

Council to Consider Projects for $722,904 in CDBG Funding

The San Marcos City Council is seeking comments on proposed programs and projects to be allocated funding in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2020-2021 Action Plan. Comments will be accepted during a virtual public hearing at the City Council ...

Suspects Identified in Wednesday’s Sadler House Assault

After a thorough, multi-county investigation, the San Marcos Police Department has identified three suspects in the shooting incident that occurred at Sadler House Apartments, 1271 Sadler Drive, on Wednesday evening.

On May 27 at approximately 5:12 p.m., S...

San Marcos Transit Updates & Fare-Free for June

The City of San Marcos continues to monitor and adjust the public transit services in an effort to protect public health while continuing transit services. Current updates are below:

• The City is extending “fare-free” transit service unt...

UPDATE: Third Death from Accident, Investigation Ongoing

The Travis County Medical Examiner’s office announced that one of the child occupants of Saturday’s single vehicle rollover accident has died. On Tuesday, May 26, the seven-year old passed away due to injuries sustained in the accident...

Police Respond to Fatal Vehicle Accident Saturday

At approximately 7:42 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, the San Marcos Police Department responded to the scene of a single vehicle rollover accident at 200 Northbound IH35 that resulted in the ejection of nine of the ten occupants. Witnesses stated that the whit...

Discovery Center Offers First Online Native Plant Sale

On Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m., the San Marcos Discovery Center is opening its brand-new online store and offering curbside plant pickup to all customers. Customers may schedule plant pickups weekly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at the ...

Council to Consider Projects for COVID-19 Response Funds

The San Marcos City Council is seeking comments on proposed programs and projects to be added to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2019-2020 Action Plan using the newly issued $425,261 in CDBG-Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) funds. Comments will...

Hays Co Task Force Completes COVID Testing at Nursing Facilities

On Friday, May 22, the Hays County Task Force responsible for testing County nursing facilities will complete testing for all residents and employees across six facilities in Hays County.

Overall, more than 1,000 employees and residents will be tested in ...

UPDATE: Citizen Tip Credited for Hit and Run Arrest

The suspect in a fatal hit and run accident in February turned himself in to authorities over the weekend after the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Antonio Rene Alonzo (DOB 09/08/1996) of San Marcos turned himself in ...

Petco Invests in COSM Animal Shelter During COVID-19

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter announced it has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its lifesaving efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We are thrilled to accept this award and put it to good use continuing to...

New Downtown Banners Feature Local Artist’s Work

The City of San Marcos recently installed artist-designed banners throughout downtown as part of a placemaking initiative led by the Main Street Program.

“Placemaking means creating spaces where people want to spend time,” explained Dow...

SMPD Evacuated Due to Auto Accident and Gas Leak

At 8:53 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, a San Marcos Police Officer suffered a medical issue while driving and crashed into a gas main and nearby manufacturing building, causing an evacuation of the San Marcos Police Department Headquarters, 2300 S Interstate 35...

City River Parks Reopen Friday, Caution Still Advised

Starting this Friday, May 22, the City of San Marcos will reopen riverfront parks to active recreation seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Park visitors are advised and expected to use caution and exercise responsibility to help prevent the spread of ...

Got Leaves? Donate Them to Local Compost Initiative

The City of San Marcos Resource Recovery Program and Texas State University Bobcat Blend Composting Program are offering San Marcos residents an easy way to divert leaves and grass clippings from the landfill with a convenient drop-off location through Fr...

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony Goes Virtual

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Marcos and local stakeholders have decided to commemorate Memorial Day virtually by creating a short video ceremony to share with the public starting on Monday, May 25. The video will be shared to the ...

City Offices Closed Memorial Day

City of San Marcos staff working in municipal offices and virtually will observe a holiday on Monday, May 25 in honor of Memorial Day.

Texas Disposal Systems will operate its usual Monday routes.

For media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.g...

Feedback Sought on Five-Year CDBG Plan

The San Marcos City Council will hold two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) virtual public hearings at their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, at 6 p.m. to provide Council and the City with direction for moving forward on major housing and public...

Certified Officers Invited to Join the SMPD Family

The San Marcos Police Department is hosting an entrance exam for certified applicants on Saturday, June 6 that includes a potential $3,000 hiring incentive for those chosen. In order to qualify for the exam, registrants must be currently licensed by Texas...

Shooter Positively Identified & SMPD Officers Recovering

The Texas Rangers have positively identified Jose Alfredo Perez DeLaCruz (DOB 01/13/1974) as the person who shot and killed Officer Justin Putnam and wounded Officers Franco Stewart and Justin Mueller on Saturday evening, April 18 during their response to ...

Highest Live-Release Month Ever for San Marcos Animal Shelter

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is celebrating the highest live-release month in its history with a 98.2% live-release outcome reported for the month of April.

Since December 12, 2018, the Animal Shelter has directed animal rescue efforts towards th...

Downtown Design Kickoff Survey Now Open for Response

The City of San Marcos Planning and Development Services Department is seeking community input on downtown design through an online Kickoff Survey. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will help the City plan for updates to the downtown desi...

“The Bus” Releases Upcoming Hopkins Detour Plan

With the Hopkins Street improvements project moving into the construction phase, the City of San Marcos and CARTS are preparing public transit service detours to start as early as Monday, May 11.

The City’s public transit system, “The B...

City Adopts Temporary Downtown Parklet Program

The City of San Marcos has adopted a temporary parklet program in downtown San Marcos, allowing businesses to temporarily convert on-street parking spaces into outdoor seating. This program aims to reactivate downtown business engagement by providing busi...

City Accepting Applications for COVID-19 Response Funds

The City of San Marcos is accepting qualified applications from for-profit entities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and City departments for funding through a $425,261 Community Development Block Grant for Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) fr...

City Updates Non-Discrimination Policy

Starting on Friday, May 15, bids and proposals submitted to the City of San Marcos and contracts entered by the City of San Marcos must acknowledge their business does not discriminate in employment or subcontracting practices. The City is also adding sex...

HUD Allocates $425,261 in Covid-19 Funds to San Marcos

The San Marcos City Council is seeking comments on proposed amendments to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan to incorporate the new $425,261 Community Development Block Grant for Coronavirus (CDBG-CV). Comments will be accepted during a public hearing at the...

Community Invited to Personalize Children’s Park Fence

In honor of the second anniversary of the reopening of the remodeled, inclusive Children’s Park Playscape, the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department is inviting community members to purchase personalized fence pickets upon which the...

Hopkins Street Reconstruction Begins Monday, May 4

The City of San Marcos Capital Improvements and Engineering Department will begin construction on the Hopkins Street Improvements Project from Bishop to Moore Streets on Monday, May 4. The construction contractor for the project is Jordan Foster Construct...

City to Resume Brush Drop Off, Community Clean Ups

The City of San Marcos brush drop off and community cleanup for residential garbage customers will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, July 11 at 750 River Road (behind the animal shelter). The previous two events were canc...

Phase 1 to Reopen Texas Businesses Starts May 1

On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott released a new Executive Order (GA 18) outlining plans for the first phase of cautiously reopening Texas businesses while prioritizing COVID-19 safety restrictions. Testing will also be increased across the state in order t...

City Continues Offering Inspections While Social Distancing

The City of San Marcos continues to conduct building, fire, code enforcement, health, and public infrastructure inspections while maintaining social distancing practices, utilizing personal protective equipment and offering video inspections for applicabl...

BBQ Benefit Sunday for Injured Officer Paul Beller

This Sunday, April 26 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tacos Flor Taco Stand at 15091 TX-123 HWY 123, is hosting a fundraiser for San Marcos Police Officer Paul Beller who was struck by a passenger car on IH35 in March.

“This month has been exceptionally ...

Mayor Orders Parks Remain Closed, Issues New Advisory

Mayor Jane Hughson has ordered parks to remain closed until further notice effective as of 11 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday, April 21 and has issued a new public health advisory strongly recommending San Marcos residents to follow CDC guidelines for social dist...

Emergency Preparation Sales Tax Holiday Starts Soon

As Texans continue to endure the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Marcos Office of Emergency Management would like to remind everyone to continue ensuring their preparedness for natural disasters such as hurricanes, flash floods and wildf...

City, County Continue Updates to COVID-19 Dashboard

The City of San Marcos and Hays County continue to update and add new features to the informational dashboard that was jointly launched in March and allows the public to easily track COVID-19 statistics throughout the county.

The dashboard, posted online a...

Officers & Donation Updates; Abbott Orders Flags at Half-Staff

Wounded Officers in Stable Condition

The two officers wounded in the line of duty Saturday evening continue to be hospitalized and remain in stable condition. Interim Police Chief Bob Klett said both Officer Franco Stewart and Officer Justin Mueller are sh...

Fallen Hero Makes Final Trip Home Today at 3 p.m.

The public is encouraged to pay respects to City of San Marcos Police Department hero Justin Putnam today as he is transported from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in Austin to Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos, 2001 Ranch Road 12....

SMPD Mourns Putnam, Prays for Mueller & Stewart

During a morning press conference, San Marcos Interim Police Chief Bob Klett provided additional details about the fatal shooting incident at Twin Lake Villas Apartments, 2917 Hunter Rd, that occurred Saturday evening. He also spoke about the officer kill...

SMPD Officer Killed, 2 Others Wounded Saturday Eve

A man fatally shot a City of San Marcos police officer and wounded two others this evening at Twin Lake Villas Apartments, 2917 Hunter Rd. Police report that the suspect is deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

A call to 911 for...

Pets of the Week April 16, 2020

We are still in need of foster homes and forever homes. Below are this week’s featured pets from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

Macy

Macy is a lovable lass who is keen on finding her forever family. After 62 days in the shelter, she is re...

TxDOT to Close Segment of Hopkins for RR Crossing Work

The Texas Department of Transportation will close a section of Hopkins Street between Cheatham Street and Thorpe Lane on Tuesday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to allow Union Pacific Railroad to make scheduled repairs on the railroad crossing.

The closur...

Highway Racing Causes Rollover, Serious Injuries

On Tuesday, April 14, at 4:26 p.m., the San Marcos Police Department was dispatched to a major traffic collision involving a single vehicle that had rolled, ejecting a passenger, on the West Access of IH-35 at the Posey Road Exit (199 Exit).

Multiple witn...

Remembrance Poppies, Bluebonnets Bloom at CAF

A remembrance garden planted by the Keep San Marcos Beautiful program, with help from volunteers from the Texas State Bobcat Track Team, is blooming at the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Airforce Base (CAF), 1841 Airport Road Building 2249.

&l...

Update on Successful City Program Alternatives

Library & Parks Staff Excel at Unique Service

The creative and quick implementation of two highly successful programs through the San Marcos Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department is likely to influence future work as the City seeks to impl...

San Marcos to hold May 2 Special Election

With the March 9 resignation of City Council Member Joca Marquez, Place 5, the City of San Marcos is holding a Special Election in conjunction with the upcoming May elections for local school boards. Council elections for San Marcos are typically held in ...

Fifth Victim of Deadly Apartment Fire Identified

The fifth and final victim of the deadly fire at Iconic Village and Vintage Pads apartments has been identified by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in coordination with Justice of the Peace Maggie H. Moreno.

Belinda Moats of Big Wells (born Aug....

San Marcos Residents Can Text Emergency Info to 9-1-1

With storm season in full swing, the City of San Marcos is reminding residents that in an emergency they can send text messages to 9-1-1 in the Central Texas area.

The Capital Area Council of Governments deployed Text to 9-1-1 service region wide in Octobe...

City Council Approves New San Marcos Development Code

The San Marcos City Council approved Code SMTX, a new 434-page development code that aligns with the City’s comprehensive plan and will guide how the City grows in the coming years.

“This is a day of celebration! Our new code has been in the works for four...