09/02/2026
A proposition to create a half-cent sales tax for economic development in Helotes was put on a ballot in a special election and passed by voters on February 5, 2003. The city then created the Helotes Economic Development Corporation to administer the funds. James McKinney, manager and co-owner of John T. Floore Country Store, was named chairman of the new EDC board. Others on the new board were Lad Herold, Bill Wheeler Sr, Fred Burns, Ardie Garner, Gene Skillrud, and Bob Mander. With the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) already committed to putting a sewer line through Old Town, the EDC focused on water lines and downtown revitalization.
The EDC held several public hearings on downtown revitalization, asking for citizen and stakeholder input. As is usual in such public meetings, there were divergent opinions regarding what was needed. Some business owners wanted to create ordinances that would make new businesses in Old Town adhere to regulations that would preserve the area’s historic roots. Others didn’t want any restrictions, saying that such regulations would make it more difficult to sell their businesses. Still others questioned the need for a 12-inch water line (at that time all the businesses in Old Town relied on wells), wondering if such water service would entice “big-box developers.” One fed-up business owner said, “I need water. I want the streets fixed. I want the lighting. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop blocking it.” Fortunately, his plea was heard. The water line was approved as the first essential step in revitalization of the Old Town district.
Click here to read the rest of the article on page 4 in the September 2026 issue of Helotes Highlights Newspaper. https://highlightspub.com/HH_9_26/HH_9_26.html
