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**City of Belton Council Meeting Executive Summary**
**August 12, 2025**

The City of Belton Council convened on August 12, 2025, to address a range of administrative, financial, and strategic planning items crucial for the city's operations and future development. The meeting focused on routine governance, board appointments, contractual agreements, initial steps for the upcoming fiscal year budget, and a significant infrastructure project. Key actions considered by the Council included approving the minutes from the previous meeting, making appointments to the Library Board of Directors and the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Bell County for records storage. Furthermore, the Council considered extending professional audit services for Fiscal Year 2025 and authorizing a contract for services with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas (CACCT).

Significant financial planning for Fiscal Year 2026 was a central theme of the meeting. The Council received a presentation and discussed proposed amendments to the FY2026 City of Belton Fee and Rate Schedule, a critical step in establishing the city's revenue streams. A presentation on Belton’s Strategic Plan for FY 2026-2030 was also delivered, setting the stage for long-term city goals and inviting future public engagement. Concurrently, the Council initiated discussions and considered a proposed property tax rate for the 2025 tax year (Fiscal Year 2026) and formally called for a public hearing on this proposed rate. In terms of capital projects, the Council considered the award of a bid and authorization for the City Manager to execute the construction contract for the 18” Force Mains under Nolan Creek, representing a substantial investment in city infrastructure.

While specific votes and controversies from the meeting were not detailed, the Council engaged in work sessions on two potentially impactful policy areas. These included proposed amendments to Chapter 11, Article IX, “Short-Term Rentals,” of the Code of Ordinances, which could significantly affect local property owners and tourism. Additionally, a work session was held on a proposed amendment to Section 38 of the Zoning Ordinance, addressing Sign Regulations, particularly concerning Pole Sign Heights along I-14 and I-35. The meeting also included an executive session for deliberation regarding real property, which typically precedes potential real estate transactions or decisions.

Looking ahead, the Council outlined several important next steps. Following the presentation on the FY2026-2030 Strategic Plan, the public was explicitly invited to provide input at the subsequent City Council meeting scheduled for August 26, 2025. The call for a public hearing on the proposed 2025 tax rate (Fiscal Year 2026) signifies an upcoming opportunity for citizen engagement and final decision-making regarding the city’s tax structure. The work sessions on short-term rentals and sign regulations are expected to lead to further policy development and potential ordinance amendments in future meetings.