Boerne approves contract cap for 2026 slurry-seal street preservation project

The City of Boerne on July 14 authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. for the 2026 Street Preservation Slurry Seal project with a not-to-exceed amount of $196,994. The resolution passed on a 4–0 vote.

City Engineer Abigail Knott told the council the city’s 10-year street-maintenance program (initiated in 2021) uses preservation treatments — crack seal, chip seal, slurry seal, mill-and-overlay and reconstruction — to avoid costlier repairs later. Knott said slurry seal is best for streets with a Pavement Condition Index between about 70 and 85 and named Cibolo Crossing and Eastland Terrace as targeted locations.

"Water is the enemy of streets," Knott said, explaining slurry seal’s role in preventing water intrusion that accelerates cracking.

Knott told the council the FY26 street-maintenance budget includes $542,000 and that $343,000 has already been expended on patching; she said the contract request, which includes a standard 5% contingency, is within the remaining budget. Council members asked whether past projects went over budget and whether slurry sealing raises PCI scores (Knott said it does); staff explained final billed quantities can differ from bid estimates because measurements are refined after work is completed.

Councilman Bunker moved to approve Resolution 2026 R39, which authorizes the city manager to manage the contract with Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. for the 2026 Slurry Seal project; the motion was seconded and passed 4–0.

The contract authorizes staff to proceed with the preservation work and permits administrative change orders up to the contingency amount when needed; the council did not direct staff to change project scope.