Round Rock City Council Meeting - March 26, 2026: Prop B Debate, Public Works Update, and Routine Actions
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Round Rock City Council Meeting - March 26, 2026
The Round Rock City Council met on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting featured a lengthy citizen presentation on Proposition B, a charter amendment regarding fire department staffing and response times, a detailed public works department update, approval of multiple resolutions, and a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan. All votes on the consent agenda and resolutions were unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Consent Calendar
- H.1: Approved minutes from the March 12, 2026 City Council meeting.
- H.2: Authorized agreement with Discount Hitch & Truck Accessories for trailers, truck beds, vehicle accessories, and repair services.
- H.3: Authorized agreement with Quality Trailers and Parts for similar items.
- H.4: Authorized agreement with Kinloch Equipment and Supply, Inc. for sewer inspection and cleaning products.
- H.5: Authorized Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with Heat Transfer Solutions, Inc. for HVAC services.
- H.6: Authorized Supplemental No. 2 with URE Consulting Group, LLC for written examination and assessment centers for firefighters and police officers.
- H.7: Authorized agreement with Raba Kistner, Inc. for construction materials testing for the Gattis School Road – Segment 6 project.
- H.8: Authorized agreement with Trojan Technologies Group ULC for UV disinfection system repair and maintenance parts.
Public Comments & Testimony
- E.1 – Citizen Communication (Bill Clifton): Bill Clifton, a Round Rock firefighter of over 20 years, spoke in favor of Proposition B, which would amend the city charter to require four-person fire engine staffing and a six-minute response time. He presented detailed data, including that only 0.3% of calls are structure fires, but argued that understaffing leads to dangerous delays. He cited a 2005 MAC GIS report, 2006 ISO ratings, 2010 and 2023 Matrix evaluations, and claimed the city has failed to meet national standards for over two decades. He noted that Station 10 is opening with only 6 new firefighters instead of the standard 15, and Station 11 with 12 instead of 15. He stated that a financial analysis found the city could fund Prop B without raising taxes by reallocating Emergency Services District No. 2 funds. He urged the council to implement Phase 1 immediately at zero cost.
- Mayor Craig Morgan's Response (after Clifton): Mayor Morgan read a prepared statement opposing Prop B. He argued the charter amendment would create inflexibility, waive sovereign immunity, and expose the city to litigation. He stated that the public safety budget is ~70% of total budget, the fire department operating budget grew 46% from $27.9M to $40.7M since 2022, and the city has hired over 40 firefighters since 2017, with 6 more this year and 15 planned next year. He noted that three of 11 units currently have four-person staffing, and the city's five-year plan adds 33 firefighters at $14M. He cited a citizen survey showing 90% satisfaction with the fire department and 74% saying response times should stay the same. He challenged Clifton to identify specific budget cuts if Prop B passes without increased taxes.
- Public Hearing J.1 – CDBG 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan: Several residents and nonprofit leaders testified in support of CDBG funding:
- Pamela Portos: Resident and recipient of senior home repair program (HVAC, deck, fence repairs).
- Jill Skinner (Executive Director, Drive a Senior): Described free transportation for seniors 65+; 113 new clients currently being onboarded; requested increased funding to meet rising demand.
- Dolores Aubrey: Senior who received a walk-in shower and AC repair through CDBG; expressed gratitude.
- Ruby Hooks: Received new siding and windows; praised CDBG specialist Liz Alvarado.
- Greg Brill (Chapter representative, Sleep in Heavenly Peace): Reported 1,149 volunteers engaged and 166 beds delivered; goal of 250 beds by end of 2026.
- Richard Brown (CEO, Hope Alliance): Provided domestic violence and sexual assault services; emergency shelters at 100% capacity; client hope scores increased from 64 to 95 on a 100-point scale. Reported 12.7% increase in hotline contacts and 15.75% increase in shelter clients from 2024 to 2025.
- Chris Rivera (Executive Director, Sacred Heart Community Clinic): Provided 4,596 medical appointments and 1,069 dental appointments in 2025; added $1.6M in medical value and $525,000 in dental value back to the community; operating budget ~$977,000; every dollar provides $3.10 in community benefit.
- Jennifer Hicks (Founder, Streams in the Valley Counseling): New nonprofit providing faith-based counseling; highlighted mental health crisis, high deductibles, and long waitlists; requested funding to offer reduced-fee sessions.
- Public Hearing J.2 – Annexation of CR 107 Spur: No public testimony was offered. The item was opened and closed without a vote.
Discussion Items
- Proclamation F.1 – Nowruz Day: Mayor Morgan proclaimed March 20, 2026 as Nowruz Day in Round Rock. A representative from the Austin Iranian Professional Association thanked the council and brought food.
- Staff Presentation G.1 – Public Works Update: Michael (Director of Public Works) presented a comprehensive update on the newly merged Transportation and Utilities department. Highlights included:
- 240 employees; $172 million invested in infrastructure over the past year.
- 70 capital projects underway; 13 completed last year (including Chisholm Trail).
- Major projects: Wyoming Springs Drive (four-lane divided roadway, two bridges, completion Oct-Nov 2026), Old Settlers Boulevard (four-lane concrete, completion June 2026), Gattis School Road (six-lane from Clay Madsen to Double Creek, completion June 2026), BCRUA regional water project ($225M deep water intake, $94M water plant expansion), regional wastewater plant expansion, Dam 101 (flood control, substantial completion March 2026).
- Solid waste: on-demand bulk pickup and daily household hazardous waste at Deepwood Recycling Center.
- Water distribution: first-ever 30-day free chlorine rinse (summer 2025) to remove biofilm.
- Transit: fixed-route ridership ~58,000; on-demand Z trip ridership ~22,000.
- Awards: engineering excellence award for RM 620; national award.
- Employees recognized: five employee of the year awards; several retirements.
- Council members thanked the department and noted the video showing staff at work.
- Resolution I.1 – Auto Aid with Travis County ESD No. 2: Fire Chief presented agreement for automatic aid on structure fire calls with Pflugerville/Travis County ESD 2. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution I.2 – BCRUA Refunding Bonds: Kevin (Finance) and Gary Kimball (financial advisor) presented a refunding of ~$35 million in BCRUA contract revenue bonds, saving over $1 million (approx. $100,000/year over 11 years). The bonds become callable August 2026; new bonds at 0.5% lower interest. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution I.3 – Title VI Program 2027-2029: Michael presented update for transit program receiving $1.3M in federal highway assistance; required every three years. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution I.4 – Out-of-City Water Service Agreement with Whittlesey Real Estate Holdings: Agreement for mulch operations on Greenlawn Boulevard in ETJ; includes easement for flood detention and water line extension; terminates if property use changes. Applicant pays $30,000+ in impact fees. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution I.5 – Water Treatment and Transmission Agreement with City of Georgetown: Renewed five-year agreement to treat up to 3 million gallons per day of Georgetown's raw water at Round Rock's plant. Since 2018, the city has received $8.5 million in revenue, benefiting utility rates. City can reduce or cut service during drought or emergencies. Georgetown council approved. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution I.6 – Updating Facade and Site Improvement Grant Program Boundaries: Joe (Economic Development) presented program updates: expanding boundaries on Mays Street (connecting north and south) and adding Round Rock Avenue. To date, three grants awarded ($215,000 total) leveraged $292,560 in private investment. One recipient (Renaissance Square) now considering mixed-use redevelopment. Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda (H.1-H.8): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Resolution I.1 (Auto Aid): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Resolution I.2 (BCRUA Refunding Bonds): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Resolution I.3 (Title VI Program): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Resolution I.4 (Whittlesey Water Service): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Resolution I.5 (Georgetown Water Treatment): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Resolution I.6 (Facade Grant Boundaries): Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Public Hearing J.1: No vote taken; public comment was heard for the CDBG needs assessment. Staff will consider comments in developing the 2026-2027 Action Plan, with a second hearing planned for June.
- Public Hearing J.2: No testimony; no action required (annexation of right-of-way).
- Executive Session L.1: Council recessed at 7:43 PM to discuss evaluation of the City Attorney under §551.074. No action reported upon return.
- Council Comments: Members offered brief good-night remarks. Meeting adjourned after executive session.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Tonight's invitation will be given by Reverend Dave Corner of from First United Methodist Church. Reverend, good seeing you again. Good seeing you, members of the Council, City officials, Mr. Mayor, good to be here. Please join me in prayer. Holy and gracious God, as we gather this evening for the work of the Round Rock City Council, we pause to recognize your presence and to seek your guidance. We give thanks for this community, its people, its neighborhoods, its schools, its businesses, and all who labor each day to make it a place of safety, opportunity, and belonging. Grant to these leaders wisdom that is steady, insight that is fair, and courage that is compassionate, help them listen well, speak with respect, and discern what best serves the common good. When there are differing viewpoints, so understanding, and where decisions are complex, offer clarity. Where the path forward is uncertain, provide light enough for the next faithful step. Bless the work done here tonight. May it strengthen the fabric of our city and honor the trust placed in those who lead. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Thank you. All right, I'll call six o'clock City Councilman in order, and please call the roll. Mayor Morgan. Here. Councilmember Lee. Here. Councilmember Flores. Here. Councilmember Fleming? Here. Councilmember Ortega? Here. Councilmember Montgomery. Here. If you're able to stand with me for the pledges. One nation. Indivisible. Liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. Pledge allegiance to thee. Texas one state, honor God, one individual. All right, Citizen Communication wishes to speak during citizen communication regarding item honor off the gender may do so after completing the required registration card. All comments must be no more than three minutes and length per Section 2-26B5 of the Round Rock Code of Ordinances 2018 edition. Any comments regarding items not on the postagen may not be discussed or responded to by the City Council for State Law. Most of the cards I have are for the public hearing. All right, seeing none. I'm going to skip to F1 first, proclamations, uh staff recognition and special presentation. So come on up to the mic, and I'll read the proclamation. Whereas now Raz of meaning new day is the ancient Persian New Year celebrated for more than 3,000 years and marks the arrival of spring in the vernal equinox. And whereas now rose is celebrated by millions of people around the world and by diverse communities in Austin, including Iranian American and Persian speaking residents, and whereas now is a time of renewal, hope, peace, and harmony with nature and its traditions, emphasize family, cultural heritage, and mutual respect. And whereas the celebration of Now Rus promotes culture understanding, inclusivity, and appreciation of the rich traditions that strengthen our community, and whereas the Austin Iranian Professional Association works to preserve and share Iranian and Persian culture through educational, cultural, and community building programs. Now therefore I, Craig Morgan, and the rest of Round Rock City Council do hereby proclaim March 20. 2026 is now Raz Day in the City of Round Rock, Texas, and call I call upon all residents, embrace this day's spirit of renewal, hope, and peace. Proclaim this 26th day of March 2026, Craig Morgan, Mayor of Round Rock. Thank you.
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