Killeen City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

The Killeen City Council met on September 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a proclamation for National Preparedness Month, a work session, citizen comments, and a regular session that approved the FY2027 budget, set a tax rate of $0.7301 per $100 valuation, and acted on several zoning and policy items. The council voted on consent and regular agenda items, with final votes recorded for the budget and tax rate.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval (Items 2–4): Approved minutes of the Special City Council meetings on June 16 and June 22, 2026, and the Special Open House Meeting on June 23, 2026.
• RS-26-130 (Police Mutual Aid Agreement): Approved a memorandum of agreement with Fort Hood Garrison Command for mutual aid and information sharing.
• RS-26-131 (Rejection of Street Construction Bids): Approved rejection of all bids for FY27 Annual Street Construction Materials (Bid No. 27-02).
• All consent items passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nasira Zachary (Resident/Social Worker): Expressed concern about the FY2027 budget, noting 70 unfunded requests totaling over $6 million and 44.5 positions. Asked how the city will measure the impact of spending on residents.
• Michael Fernino (Resident): Criticized the proposed tax rate, calling it a burden on residents and businesses. Questioned the $28,000 spent on a city manager search and urged fiscal responsibility.
• Dr. Sue Necy Croft (Resident): Spoke on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), specifically Project 92504 (North Killeen Grocery Site) with $250,000 budgeted but no expenditures, and Project 92503 (strategic land acquisition) with $500,000. Asked about implementation plans and whether the projects could be coordinated.
• Christian Bishop (Resident): Opposed the City Council retreat and team-building workshop, questioning funding and transparency. Suggested the retreat be held locally to save money.
• Jamie Carroll (Resident): Proposed a low-cost, local team-building activity (e.g., sack races) in a city park, livestreamed, to improve community engagement and reduce costs.
• Leo Kukison (Resident): Opposed the retreat, citing timing with tax increases and past controversies. Supported holding the event locally if necessary.
• Anka Negu (Resident): Criticized the planned $1.7 million remodel of the Animal Adoption Center, stating the building was misrepresented in 2023. Opposed the tax rate increase, asking for a no-new-revenue rate.

Discussion Items

• Youth Advisory Commission Appointments (RS-26-132): Staff presented 13 recommended student commissioners for FY2027. Councilmember Bass praised the selection process. Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Nash-King absent).
• Schlueter Group Amendment (RS-26-133): Approved an amendment to reduce the annual fee from $100,000 to $1 for year two of the agreement. Councilmember Kimball noted appreciation for the firm’s services but stated the city should pay for services rendered. Approved 6-0.
• Rezoning – 312 East Texas Avenue (OR-26-015): City-initiated rezoning from B-3 to R-1 on 0.16 acres. The property owner’s consent form was received after the agenda was posted, so staff recommended approval. Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval unanimously. Approved 6-0.
• Rezoning – 1401 and 1411 Mulford Street (PH-26-027): Proposed rezoning of 0.144 acres from B-3 to R-2 (1411 Mulford) and R-1 (1401 Mulford). Consent form was obtained for 1411 but not for 1401. Staff recommended approval for 1411 and disapproval for 1401. Councilmember Brown moved to approve 1411 and disapprove 1401; Councilmember Kimball expressed concern about waiting for the owner. Approved 6-0.
• Solid Waste Ordinance Amendment (PH-26-028): Established fees for curbside brush collection and non-collectible materials. Staff explained the fee structure: $10 for up to 6 cubic yards of brush, plus $7.50 per additional cubic yard; non-collectible items have a $150 base fee plus $10 per cubic yard. The ordinance aims to recover costs and reduce subsidies. Councilmember Brown requested a grace period for implementation. Approved 6-0 with Brown proposing (vote margin unclear but passed).
• Water/Sewer Rate Amendment (PH-26-029): Approved 5% residential water rate increase, phase five of commercial water rate increase, and $0.65 increase to residential sewer base rate. Average residential customer (5,600 gallons) will see a $2.05 monthly increase (2.16%). Councilmember Brown opposed, citing cumulative burden of multiple increases. City Manager Cagle noted that the water fund is tight and that rates remain below many peer cities. Approved 6-1 (Brown opposed).
• Budget and Tax Rate (Items 13–17):
  • Public Hearing on Tax Rate (PH-26-030): Held and closed. Staff explained the proposed rate of $0.7301, an increase of $0.0287 over the current rate, generating $78.2 million in revenue. The median homestead value increase is $68.48 per year ($5.71/month).
  • Budget Adoption (OR-26-016): Approved the FY2027 Annual Budget. Roll call vote: 6-1 (Brown opposed, all others yes).
  • Ratification of Property Tax Revenue Increase (RS-26-134): Approved a 3.59% increase in the tax rate. Roll call: 5-2 (Bass and Brown opposed; Gonzalez, Kendrick, Kimball, Nash-King, Williams yes).
  • Setting Tax Rate (OR-26-017): Set the tax rate at $0.7301 per $100 valuation. Roll call: 5-2 (same votes as above).
  • Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (RS-26-135): Adopted the FY2027-2031 CIP. Councilmember Brown clarified that CIP funds come from excess fund balance, not current tax dollars. Approved by voice vote.
• City Council Retreat and Team Building Workshop (DS-26-079): Discussed but no formal action. Mayor Solomon clarified the retreat would be local, possibly at CTC, with a proposed cost of $5,000–$6,000 for an outside moderator. Several councilmembers expressed mixed views; some supported a local, low-cost event, while others questioned the need and timing. No consensus was reached, and the item was not put to a vote.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
• Youth Advisory Commission Appointments: Approved 6-0.
• Schlueter Group Amendment: Approved 6-0.
• Rezoning – 312 East Texas Avenue: Approved 6-0.
• Rezoning – Mulford Street: Approved 6-0 (1411 rezoned to R-2, 1401 denied).
• Solid Waste Ordinance: Approved 6-0.
• Water/Sewer Rate Amendment: Approved 6-1 (Brown opposed).
• FY2027 Budget Adoption: Approved 6-1 (Brown opposed).
• Tax Rate Ratification and Setting: Approved 5-2 (Bass and Brown opposed; required 60% approval met).
• Five-Year CIP Adoption: Approved by voice vote.
• Retreat Discussion: No action taken. The council will consider future options.

Note: Minutes were not available for this meeting; the summary is based on the agenda and transcript.