Killeen City Council Regular Meeting – June 16, 2026

The Killeen City Council convened on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a work session (discussion of agenda items 2–11) and a regular session covering consent items, public hearings, and discussion items. The meeting lasted until approximately 9:00 PM, with a recess for a scheduled CDBG meeting. All council members were present except Councilmember Nash-King.

Consent Calendar

• MN-26-019: Minutes of the May 19, 2026 regular meeting approved unanimously.
• RS-26-093: Authorization to accept FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) for terminal rehabilitation at Killeen Regional Airport (total grant value ~$3.5 million, no city cost).
• RS-26-094: Approval of Quick Roofing TIPS contract #25010402 for Lions Club Park Senior Center roof repair ($172,367.33, 20-year warranty, completion by late August 2026).
• RS-26-095: Renewal of group medical and pharmaceutical benefits with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and dental with MetLife, effective October 1, 2026 (premium increases: $5/month for medical tiers, 6% for dental).
• RS-26-096: Award of RFP 26-23 for liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance to TML-IRP ($3,100,016, effective October 1, 2026).
• RS-26-097: Declaration of vacancy on Civil Service Commission (due to Councilmember Kimble's election) and appointment of Dirk Davis by city manager.
• RS-26-098: Approval of TASB BuyBoard purchase for Animal Shelter stray dog kennel HVAC replacement from Southland Industries ($146,500, completion by mid-July 2026).
• RS-26-099: Approval of Quick Roofing TIPS contract for Copper Mountain Branch Library roof replacement ($179,856.22, covered by insurance after hail damage determination, 20-year warranty, similar schedule to senior center).
• RS-26-100: Appointment of two members to the Board of Adjustment: James D. Frey (regular, construction experience) and Ricky K. Williams (alternate).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Fernino: Criticized city spending priorities, citing underfunded code enforcement, inflated event attendance numbers, and questioned $20 million in unaccounted septic system funds.
• Gwendolyn Everett: Expressed strong support for the proposed children's museum and immersion center, emphasizing benefits for Killeen's diverse and military-connected families.
• Dr. Sue Necy Croft: Questioned the benefits of the drainage utility fee, stating that roadway expansions altered natural drainage on her property, causing tree loss and $116 in tree removal costs. She requested a process for reviewing unintended impacts.
• Karen Kitt Chapman: Spoke against individual program fees for seniors, advocating for a low universal membership fee. Cited experience running a senior center in Spokane.
• Patsy Bracey: Urged council to adopt a universal senior membership fee rather than per-class fees, noting many seniors live on fixed incomes and rely on the senior center for meals.
• Michael Fornino: Argued that seniors should pay for services they use, suggesting a tiered fee structure. He noted that many seniors benefit from tax exemptions and pensions.
• Lane Carter: No specific comment transcribed.
• Donald Smith and Cecil Adams (during public hearing on cell tower): Spoke in favor of the proposed tower, citing future growth and improved 911 call reliability.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2027 Fee Schedule (PH-26-018): Staff presented proposed changes, including a universal senior center membership fee ($115/year residents, $130 non-residents) replacing individual program fees, and a $21 brush collection fee. After extensive debate, council voted to adopt the fee schedule with the senior center membership fee, a reduced brush fee of $10, and to postpone animal services fee changes until July 7, 2026.
• FY 2027 Budget Preview (DS-26-048): City Manager presented an overview highlighting a 59% increase in electricity costs, a proposed 2-cent property tax rate increase (to $72.15 per $100 valuation), a 3% COLA for eligible employees, and a 5% water / 3% sewer rate increase. The disabled veterans exemption (DV) increased by $223 million, while new construction added only $137 million. No increase in solid waste or drainage fees was recommended.
• Quarterly Financial Report (DS-26-041): As of March 31, 2026, the city's overall turnover rate was 17.82% (247 resignations out of 1,386 employees). General fund revenues were 68% of budget, expenditures 47%. Water and sewer fund balance $9.9 million, solid waste $6.9 million, drainage $1.8 million, aviation $3.3 million. No red flags identified.
• Killeen Children’s Museum and Immersion Center Plan of Action (DS-26-049): Staff presented research on partnership models, potential locations (409 Gray Street, Anthem Park, etc.), and funding strategies. Council directed staff to organize a stakeholder meeting and bring back a report by January 19, 2027.
• Review of Governing Standards (DS-26-050): Council discussed multiple amendments: (1) adopted staff recommendations to update election-date references and add Board of Adjustment subcommittee; (2) approved allowing citizens to speak on non-agenda items in a separate section (4-2 vote); (3) approved allowing citizen participation via Zoom (4-2 vote); (4) motion to change meeting schedule to work sessions on first/third Tuesdays and regular meetings on second/fourth Tuesdays failed (3-4); (5) all other amendments tabled to July 7, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0) with noted nominations.
• Fee Schedule (PH-26-018): Adopted with amendments: senior center membership fee ($115 resident, $130 non-resident) replacing program fees; brush collection fee reduced from $21 to $10; animal services fees tabled to July 7, 2026.
• Cell Tower Conditional Use Permit (PH-26-019): Postponed to July 7, 2026, after motion to approve was withdrawn and a postponement motion passed 6-0.
• Budget Preview and Quarterly Report: Received as information; no formal vote required.
• Children’s Museum: Motion of direction passed 6-0 to hold a stakeholder meeting and report back by January 19, 2027.
• Governing Standards:
  • Staff updates (election date, board appointments) adopted 5-1.
  • Citizen comments on non-agenda items allowed in a separate section (4-2).
  • Citizen participation via Zoom/teleconference approved (4-2).
  • Motion to change meeting frequency failed (3-4).
  • All remaining amendments tabled to July 7, 2026 (6-0).