Agenda

On September 9, 2025, the City of Belton City Council convened, with Mayor Pro Tem John R. Holmes, Sr., participating via videoconference. The meeting's primary focus was the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) Annual Budget and the corresponding ad valorem tax rate. Key decisions included the final approval of the FY2026 budget, the adoption of a new tax rate, and the endorsement of the City's Strategic Plan for FY2026-2030. Several routine items and infrastructure-related agreements were also approved under a consent agenda.

Among the most significant items discussed and approved was the City of Belton's Strategic Plan for FY2026-2030, providing a long-term framework for the city's development and operations. Concurrently, the FY2026 Annual Budget was adopted, allocating resources for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the Council authorized the City Manager to execute a development agreement with Belton Partners, LLC, for the upsizing of an 8-inch water line to a 12-inch line from Amity School Road to the east side of IH-35, a critical infrastructure upgrade. An amended professional services agreement for the S. Connell Reconstruction Project was also approved to facilitate right-of-way services and appraisal reviews.

A notable and potentially controversial item was the public hearing on the proposed FY2026 ad valorem tax rate. The Council discussed and subsequently adopted a tax rate not to exceed $0.5225 per $100 of taxable value for Tax Year 2025, which effectively represents a 5.2 percent increase in the tax rate. This decision followed the public hearing and included the ratification of the reported increase in total property tax revenue as part of the adopted FY2026 Annual Budget. All items on the agenda, including the tax rate and budget ordinances, were passed following deliberation.

With the FY2026 budget and strategic plan now formally adopted, the City's next steps involve the implementation of these financial and strategic frameworks. Ongoing actions will include proceeding with the approved infrastructure projects, such as the water line upsizing and the S. Connell Reconstruction Project, guided by the newly adopted fee and rate schedule. The Youth Advisory Commission will also continue its work with newly appointed members and a designated Chair.