Killeen, Texas Development News
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City Council Meeting - July 7, 2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
Conditional Use Permit for Wireless Tower on East Tremont Road Postponed
The council considered a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow for the installation of an 85-foot wireless telecommunication tower on a 2.0-acre property zoned B3 (local business district). The applicant, First Assembly of God, Inc., represented by Vincent Gerard and Associates, aims to improve wireless service coverage in the southeastern portion of the city. The property is located at 7432 East Tremont Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions, including substantial compliance with the site plan, collocation, screening, lighting, site development requirements, all-weather parking surfaces, use of existing trees and vegetation, installation of public sidewalks, permit expiration clauses, and notification of ownership changes. However, two commissioners voted against it, citing resident opposition. Due to an absent council member and the applicant's request, the item was postponed to the August 4th meeting.
Proposed FY2027 Budget Highlights Increased Property Tax, Public Safety Spending, and Infrastructure Investments
The council received an overview of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, presented by City Manager Kaggel. Key highlights include an estimated population of 164,156 for the upcoming year, with projections to reach nearly 180,000 by 2040. The proposed budget includes a slight increase in employees per 10,000 residents (from 8.57 to potentially lower with unfunded requests). Median household income is $60,977, and tax-supported debt per person stands at $9,414. Expenditures per capita are in the lower third of comparable cities. Over 70% of revenue comes from property and sales tax, with over 64% of expenditures allocated to public safety. Major revenue changes include a proposed property tax rate increase (2.01 cents), improved ambulance fees, and DV exemption reimbursements. Major expenses include a 3% cost of living adjustment for employees. Several requests were unfunded, including 42.5 employees and $6 million in general fund revenue requests. The water and sewer fund shows minimal changes, with low water rates compared to benchmark cities, though staff time and purchase of treated water are noted costs. Solid waste fund reflects rate increases for rolloff containers and brush collection due to growth and increased landfill costs, though base rates remain unchanged. Aviation fund is strong with increased traffic and jet fuel sales, while the golf course fund is self-sustaining and improving post-renovation. The hotel fund faces challenges with short-term rental fees but is expected to recover. Street maintenance fund is in great shape, with funds allocated for projects like Stage Coach Phase II, Willow Springs, and eventually Zephyr Road over several years. The public hearing for the budget is set for July 28th.
Disannexation Denied; Council Seeks Zoning Solution for Vehicle Recycling Business
The council held a public hearing regarding a proposal to disannex approximately 25.6 acres of land along South Fort Hood Street. The petitioner argued that the city had failed to provide adequate services as stipulated in the 2008 annexation agreement, and retaining the land within city limits would prevent the owner from expanding their vehicle recycling business due to its legal non-conforming status. Staff recommended denial, emphasizing the city's need to maintain control over land use and prevent potentially undesirable developments like data centers. Council members debated the potential consequences of disannexation, including loss of regulatory control and the possibility of future high-impact industrial uses. A compromise was proposed: rezoning the property to B4 with a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow the existing business to operate and potentially expand while preventing uses like data centers by right. However, the motion to direct staff to initiate this specific rezoning failed due to lack of a second. Ultimately, the council voted 5-0 to deny the disannexation petition and directed staff to return with recommendations for appropriate zoning.
Disannexation Petition for 25.6 Acres on South Fort Hood Street Denied
The council held a public hearing and considered an ordinance to disannex approximately 25.6 acres from the city limits, located along South Fort Hood Street. The petitioner, Stanley Serest, alleged the city failed to provide adequate services as per the 2008 annexation service plan. Staff recommended disapproval, citing the city's compliance with legal obligations and the importance of retaining land within city limits for control over land use, development, and code enforcement, particularly to prevent undesirable uses like data centers. Council members expressed concerns about losing control and potential negative impacts on infrastructure and city planning. The property owner is legally non-conforming and unable to expand their vehicle recycling business. While the owner is amenable to rezoning (e.g., B4 with a CUP), the council ultimately voted 5-0 to deny the disannexation request and directed staff to explore appropriate zoning options.
Elaine Simpson Appointed New City Secretary
The council considered the city manager's appointment of Elaine Simpson as the new City Secretary. Simpson has over 25 years of local government experience in Texas, holds a Master of Public Administration, and possesses numerous certifications including Texas Registered Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk. The position became vacant on June 2nd after the previous secretary's resignation. The hiring process involved reviewing 238 applications, with 115 qualified candidates, followed by interviews conducted by a panel. The council unanimously approved the appointment in a 5-0 vote.
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The Killeen News archive
City Council on 2026-07-07 3:00 PM
Killeen Board of Adjustment
Special Called Board Meeting
Regular Board Meeting
City Council on 2026-06-22 5:00 PM - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop & Regular Meeting 6-22-2026 at 4:30 p.m.
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