As a voter-approved conservation program nears its deadline, Kendall County commissioners on Dec. 23 approved a roughly $11.25 million deal for land at Guadalupe River Ranch to conserve about 310 acres using Proposition A funds. The county will place $60,000 in escrow to ensure certain structures are demolished and has a 60-day inspection window before closing. At the same meeting, commissioners also approved several smaller conservation easements near Boerne's Esperanza neighborhood.
The purchase contract gives the county 60 days for surveys and inspections. If commissioners decide to cancel after that window, the county would lose only $1,000. Legal counsel stated that the survey results should be available within 30 days of the inspection's start. The land purchase and easement approvals, including escrow and demolition conditions, match public records and local reports. The three smaller easements cover 155.36 acres, with a combined purchase price of $155,360 and about $150,000 in related costs. Community Impact reported that the Commissioners Court approved all items on Dec. 23.
What Proposition A Pays For
Proposition A, approved by Kendall County voters in 2022, authorized up to $20 million in bonds for open space purchases, conservation easements, and limited parkland acquisitions. The program aims to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, and Hill Country views while providing landowners voluntary conservation tools. According to Kendall County, Prop A funds have been used for conservation easements and a few park-related purchases since the measure passed.
A Race Against A Deadline
About 80 percent of Prop A bond proceeds, roughly $17 million, must be committed by June 2026. As of December, less than $15 million remained unspent. The $11.25 million Guadalupe River Ranch purchase would commit a significant portion of that balance, keeping the county on schedule. Community Impact reported the spending deadline and remaining bond balance for commissioners.
Next Steps For The Deal
Before closing, the county will complete surveys and inspections, and the seller must demolish designated structures to the county’s satisfaction. The $60,000 escrow will be released only after these conditions are met. The Dec. 23 Commissioners Court agenda lists the ranch purchase and three easements on the consent agenda and serves as the formal record of the vote. Residents can view the full meeting packet, including Prop A details, on the county’s Agendas & Minutes page.
What It Means Locally
Local conservation advocates have promoted Prop A to slow development, protect rivers and springs, and preserve the Hill Country’s character. Earlier Prop A deals focused on Guadalupe River frontage and key watershed areas, establishing county priorities. This track record, along with the upcoming spending deadline, explains why commissioners prioritized a large riverfront conservation purchase this month. According to the Boerne Star, Prop A was designed to keep sizable Hill Country tracts out of traditional development while giving landowners options to preserve their land.
