Minutes

**Executive Summary: City of Belton Council Meeting – January 13, 2026**

The City of Belton City Council convened on January 13, 2026, addressing a comprehensive agenda focused on significant infrastructure development, land use planning, and key administrative actions. Among the critical decisions, the Council officially acknowledged an updated population estimate of 27,804 for January 1, 2026, a crucial figure for state allocations and planning. Furthermore, the Council acknowledged the conveyance of Bell County Justice Center Lot 2, Block A, from Bell County, earmarking it as the future site for a Belton Fire Station, signifying a commitment to enhancing public safety infrastructure. The Council also moved forward with several large-scale utility projects by authorizing contracts and awarding bids.

Key items deliberated included substantial progress on city infrastructure. The Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement for the design and administration of the E. 6th Avenue Wastewater and Water Rehabilitation Project, a critical upgrade to utility systems. Additionally, the award of a construction contract for the Rockwool Site Water and Wastewater Improvements was approved, facilitating industrial development. The Council also considered items related to the Loop 121 Utility Relocation Phase II Project and received a presentation on the upcoming 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects, outlining future investment priorities across the city. Policy-wise, the readoption of the City of Belton Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria was a significant discussion, providing a framework for economic development incentives.

Multiple public hearings were held concerning impactful zoning changes and city plans, allowing for community input on future development. These included considering zoning changes from Agricultural to Multi-Family on Connell Street, Commercial-2 to Light Industrial on Commerce Street, and adjustments related to the Imagine Belton Standards impacting properties shifting from Single Family-1 to Transition Zones. A public hearing was also held to consider an ordinance amending the Belton Thoroughfare Plan, a fundamental document guiding future transportation infrastructure. Notably, a zoning change application (Z-25-41) for 207 Lake Road, proposing a shift from Neighborhood Services to Planned Development-Retail, was withdrawn by the applicant prior to Council consideration. No specific controversial votes were detailed in the provided agenda excerpt beyond the general public hearing process for these land-use changes.

Looking ahead, the approvals for various professional services agreements and construction contracts mean work will commence on critical wastewater, water, and utility relocation projects, directly impacting city services and growth. The confirmed acquisition of the fire station site paves the way for future design and construction planning for emergency services. Furthermore, the amendments to zoning regulations and the Thoroughfare Plan, once finalized, will guide Belton's urban development and transportation network for the foreseeable future, shaping the city's landscape in line with strategic planning initiatives.