Agenda

An executive summary of the City of Belton Council meeting held on January 13, 2026, highlights key decisions impacting the city's growth, infrastructure, and planning. The Council officially declared an updated population estimate of 27,804 as of January 1, 2026, and reappointed Marvin Bell to the Central Texas Housing Consortium. Additionally, the Council acknowledged the conveyance of Bell County Justice Center Lot 2, Block A, from Bell County, earmarking it as a future site for a Belton Fire Station, and readopted the City's Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria.

Significant discussions centered on several planning and zoning matters, including public hearings for proposed zoning changes. These included a request to change approximately 0.41 acres at 5941 West US Highway 190 Service Road from Commercial Highway to Commercial Highway with a Specific Use Permit to allow for an electronic billboard (Z-25-43). Another hearing addressed a change from Commercial-2 to Light Industrial for approximately eight acres located at 2101 and 2057 Commerce Street (Z-25-45). The Council also held public hearings on broader zoning changes related to the "Imagine Belton Standards," specifically concerning transitions from Single Family-1 to the Transition Zone, and considered an ordinance to amend the Belton Thoroughfare Plan. An application for a zoning change at 207 Lake Road (Z-25-41) was withdrawn by the applicant prior to discussion.

A key focus of the meeting involved advancing critical infrastructure projects. The Council received a presentation on proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and subsequently authorized the City Manager to proceed with several related contracts. This included awarding a bid for construction and executing a professional services agreement with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates for construction administration services related to general bid awards. Furthermore, the City Manager was authorized to enter into a professional services agreement with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates for the design, bid phase, and construction administration services for the E. 6th Avenue Wastewater and Water Rehabilitation Project, and to execute a construction contract for the Rockwool Site Water and Wastewater Improvements.

Following these actions, the Council convened two Executive Sessions. These sessions were held pursuant to the Open Meetings Law to consult with legal counsel (Section 551.071) and to deliberate regarding real property (Section 551.072). These discussions indicate ongoing strategic planning and legal considerations that will inform future city actions and projects, particularly as the newly approved infrastructure initiatives move forward.