Regular City Council Meeting of August 5, 2025

The Killeen City Council met on August 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with all members present except Councilmember Kendrick. The meeting included presentations on a student career program, a cooperative grocery store interest survey, and a grocery store recruitment proposal from the Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce. The council discussed and approved changes to the proposed FY2026 operating and CIP budget, set a preliminary property tax rate of $0.7014 per $100 valuation, and approved two zoning changes. The meeting also included a consent agenda approval and a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda with the removal of item RS-25-124 (6-0).
• Approved the consent agenda (minutes, property sale at 1510 Linda Lane for $13,500, lease agreement with Crown Castle for cell tower, and roof repair contract at PD headquarters for $265,255.19) by a vote of 4-0 (two council members on break).

Public Comments & Testimony

• A citizen (unidentified) raised concerns about the budget, property tax increases, and the cumulative impact of approving many R1 rezonings, questioning whether the city can sustain infrastructure costs. He urged responsible development.
• Melissa Brown spoke on the budget and grocery store efforts, criticizing the council's approach and advocating for partnering with existing mobile food pantries and questioning the need for a new $50,000 consultant. She also noted that a co-op would not accept WIC/SNAP initially.

Discussion Items

• Presentation: Student Occupation Awareness Program (PR 25017) – Recognized students who completed a week-long employability skills workshop.
• Presentation: Cooperative Grocery Store Interest Survey (PR 25018) – Feynle Brown of Community Hands of Central Texas reported 188 survey respondents, with 36 interested in leadership. He discussed the potential for a food co-op in the North Killeen food desert, emphasizing community ownership and flexibility. Council members asked about costs, pricing, and the need for foot traffic. Councilmember Gonzalez noted local partners are excited. Councilmember Sigar questioned the feasibility given the existing store on 2nd Street. Councilmember Cobb highlighted cost concerns.
• Presentation: Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce Grocery Store Agreement (PR 25019) – Dr. Sun Janet Crossley proposed a 24-month, $49,999 professional services agreement to recruit a grocery store. She stated they have a developer and a grocery store ready to come. Council members questioned why a middleman is needed, what will be done differently, and whether the $50,000 would guarantee a store. Mayor Nash-King noted a motion of direction from July to provide $50,000 at year-end if available. The discussion revealed tension over transparency and previous efforts. Councilmember Solomon called for a new RFP process.
• FY2026 Budget and Tax Rate (DS 25042, RS 25127) – City Manager Cagle presented the proposed budget and tax rate. The recommended tax rate of $0.7014 is just under the voter-approval rate of $0.7015 to avoid an automatic election. The budget includes new positions (downtown police unit, deputy fire chief, assistant city manager, IT security manager, bailiff), increased COLA from 4% to 5%, traffic signal upgrades, fire training tower, police impound lot, and other items. Some items are funded with year-end savings. Council discussed the increase from the current $0.6573 rate. The median homestead would see a $185 annual increase ($15.43/month). Council approved a motion of direction to adopt staff recommendations (4-0) and then voted unanimously (6-0) to set the preliminary tax rate at $0.7014 and schedule a public hearing for September 2, 2025.
• Public Hearings on Zoning:
  • PH 25041 – Rezone 99.83 acres near E. Tremere and Chaparral from SR1/Ag to PUD with SR1 and B3 uses. Staff recommended approval. Public comment: Melissa Brown opposed, citing lack of drainage infrastructure and traffic impacts. Gary Persa criticized inconsistent treatment of zoning cases. Council approved 6-0.
  • PH 25042 – Rezone 1.987 acres at 1914 N 10th St from B5 to R1. Applicant Marion Benjamin Bell wants to build a single-family home. Staff recommended approval. Public comment: Melissa Brown supported, noting it fits the residential area. Council approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda and agenda removal.
• Approved motion of direction to incorporate staff recommendations into FY2026 budget.
• Set preliminary tax rate at $0.7014 per $100 valuation, with public hearing on September 2, 2025.
• Approved two zoning changes (PH 25041 and PH 25042) unanimously.
• Council entered closed session at 5:51 p.m. to consult with legal counsel regarding Bell County Municipal District No. 2 consent and development agreement.