Agenda

The City of Belton City Council convened on August 12, 2025, at the Harris Community Center to address a range of city business, focusing on financial planning, infrastructure development, and board appointments. Key decisions made during the meeting included the approval of the July 22, 2025, meeting minutes and the appointments/reappointments to the Library Board of Directors and Zoning Board of Adjustment, which were efficiently processed through the consent agenda. The Council also authorized the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Bell County for records storage and extended the engagement for professional audit services for Fiscal Year 2025 with Jaynes, Reitmeyer, Boyd & Therrell, P.C. Additionally, a contract for services with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas (CACCT) was authorized.

A primary focus of the meeting centered on strategic and financial preparations for Fiscal Year 2026. The Council received presentations and engaged in discussions regarding proposed amendments to the FY2026 City of Belton Fee and Rate Schedule, alongside a comprehensive presentation on Belton’s Strategic Plan for FY 2026-2030. Critical discussions were held concerning the proposed property tax rate for the 2025 tax year (Fiscal Year 2026), a foundational element of the upcoming budget. Furthermore, a significant infrastructure project progressed with the consideration of awarding a bid and authorizing a construction contract for the 18-inch Force Mains under Nolan Creek. Work sessions were also conducted on proposed amendments to the city’s ordinances regarding Short-Term Rentals and Sign Regulations, specifically pole sign heights along I-14 and I-35.

While specific outcomes of individual votes were not detailed in the meeting information, the Council’s decision to call for a public hearing on the proposed property tax rate for the 2025 tax year (Fiscal Year 2026) represents a notable procedural step. This action sets the stage for public input on a topic that often garners significant community interest regarding city finances. The items considered under the consent agenda were routine authorizations and did not indicate any explicit controversial items or dissenting votes.

Several key actions are anticipated following this meeting. Public input on Belton’s Strategic Plan for FY 2026-2030 has been explicitly invited at the next City Council meeting on August 26, 2025. The called public hearing on the proposed tax rate for FY2026 will provide residents a formal opportunity to comment. Further discussion and potential amendments are expected to result from the work sessions on Short-Term Rentals and Sign Regulations. The authorization to consider the award of the bid for the 18-inch Force Mains under Nolan Creek indicates the progression of this vital infrastructure project.