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**City of Belton City Council Meeting Executive Summary**
**February 24, 2026**

The Belton City Council convened on February 24, 2026, addressing a range of significant items pertaining to city governance, development, and infrastructure. Key decisions included the cancellation of the May 2, 2026 General City Election, with unopposed candidates declared elected to office, streamlining the electoral process for the year. The Council also approved an ordinance annexing rights-of-way for Wheat Road and Sparta Road, expanding the city's jurisdiction and infrastructure control. Further, a significant contract was awarded for the W. Avenue I Drainage Project, signaling a commitment to critical infrastructure improvements.

Among the most important items discussed and acted upon was the approval of a zoning change from Single Family-3 to Planned Development (PD) – Single Family-3 for approximately 34.737 acres on E. Avenue R, paving the way for the Hidden Trails Subdivision Phase 2. This decision supports continued residential growth within the city. The Council also held a public hearing and subsequently considered an ordinance amending and adopting the City’s Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria, a move poised to influence future economic development and investment within Belton. Additionally, the Council authorized the purchase of Mobile Data Terminals, enhancing operational capabilities for city departments.

While no items were explicitly noted as controversial, the public hearings held for the Hidden Trails zoning change and the Tax Abatement Guidelines provided opportunities for community input on significant policy and development matters. The decision to cancel the city election due to all candidates running unopposed was a notable action, reflecting a consensus in local leadership. The Council also received routine but important annual reports, including an update on the City’s Ethics Ordinance from the Ethics Commission, the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Annual Report for FY2025, and a comprehensive presentation on the Belton Police Department's 2025 Annual Report and Racial Profiling Report, underscoring transparency and accountability.

Looking ahead, the award of the W. Avenue I Drainage Project contract will lead to the immediate commencement of this crucial infrastructure work. The newly adopted Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria will guide future discussions and agreements with potential developers and businesses. Furthermore, the Council entered executive session for deliberation regarding real property, indicating potential future actions or acquisitions related to city assets. The Youth Advisory Commission's proposal for a Community Teen Night Event will also require further planning and coordination.