NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas -- This week, the New Braunfels City Council passed 18 new ordinances applying to the operations of river outfitters in the area. Many of the restrictions address safety concerns for the patrons of the companies.

Beginning immediately, companies are prohibited from transporting patrons in the beds of pickup trucks, regardless if they have fixed seating. Doors on buses must be closed during transit.

Starting in the 2011, bread truck-type buses will be prohibited. All vehicles must have factory installed seating exclusively.

Most outfitters appear to back the ordinances, sighting that safety is paramount. The problem outfitters have is that the new rules come at the beginning of the season.

"Texas State, I know a few other colleges, are out for Spring Break already," said Edward Esquibel, general manager of the Gruene River Company, "and they're popping it on us right now. We're supposed to scramble to try to meet their new ordinances and no timing. "

Drought during the past two season has also left many companies with little extra cash to comply with the new rules.

"The last few summers haven't been great for us," said Esquibel. "We're not making a ton of money out here so there's not a lot to spend right now. "

Through the City Secretary's office, KSAT 12 tried to contact the five Council members who voted for the ordinances, and as Wednesday afternoon, received no reply from any of them.