Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Killeen public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 issues in water utilities
Municipal Court and Utility Collections Schedule Change
Municipal court and utility customer service will shift to a four-day, 10-hour work week starting in April, with longer daily hours to improve service and staff retention.
Municipal Court and Utility Collections Operating Hours
The city is shifting two high-volume customer service departments—Municipal Court and Utility Collections—to a four-day, ten-hour work week starting in April. Offices will be closed on Fridays, but online and phone payment options will remain open.
Waste Disposal Contract Amendment
The city formalized solid waste rules and fees, including a $10 container relocation fee when trash cans are blocked and sanitation workers must move them, a $75 commercial premium service fee, and $20 mattress disposal fees for non-residents.
Utility Billing Outsourcing to InfoSend
The city is outsourcing its water utility bill printing and mailing to InfoSend, Inc. to save money and add modern features like billing charts and e-bill inserts, though some residents raised data security and cost concerns.
Electricity Rate Hedging and Future Grid Demands
The city is evaluating long-term electricity contracts extending to 2038 to protect municipal operations against projected steep price hikes driven by surging statewide energy demand.
WCID #1 Water System Capital Improvements and Expansion
Staff reviewed $17.5 million in necessary water system maintenance and potential future capacity expansions, suggesting rate adjustments could be targeted at high-volume water users rather than base fees.
Sewer Service Line Warranty Program Renewal
Council reviewed a proposed rate increase for the popular HomeServe right-of-way sewer warranty program, which protects homeowners from costly repairs.
Water and Sewer Utility Rate Increases
Council adjusted residential volumetric and commercial water rates, prompting debate over water capacity, growth, and cost burdens on renters. Officials clarified that typical residential users only see increases in the top usage tiers.
Drainage Master Plan Update
The council reviewed multiple engineering and design contracts to address flooding, drainage issues, and intersection beautification across Killeen.
Transfer Station Tunnel Repairs
The city is authorizing repairs to the transfer station tunnel to ensure its continued functionality and efficiency.
South Water Supply Project Expansion
Neighbors raised alarms over recent drops in water pressure, noting that new school construction and development are straining local pipes before students even arrive. City staff assured council that fixes were made to pressure planes and a new water tower is on the way.
Water Storage Tank Asset Management
Citizens urged the city to proactively renew Brazos River Authority contracts, expand gray water usage, and develop supplemental water reservoirs to prepare for future growth.
Lead and Copper Water Testing Mandates
The city awarded a $59,000 contract to comply with EPA lead service line inventory and testing requirements. Residents expressed concern over notification letters regarding galvanized service lines.
38th Street Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation
City officials and engineers outlined a massive $25-26 million rehabilitation project for the 38th Street Wastewater Plant to replace 197-era electrical systems, digesters, and filters, ensuring safe and reliable wastewater processing for Killeen and Fort Cavazos.
Water and Sewer Materials Procurement
The council approved awarding annual water and sewer material supply bids to multiple vendors in a combined amount of $950,000 to maintain utility distribution and collection systems.
FY 2024 Water, Wastewater, and Environmental Testing Services Contract
The city approved a testing contract with Bio Chem Lab worth up to $59,859 to ensure water and wastewater safety throughout the fiscal year.
Stormwater Maintenance Agreement for S.W.S. Young Drive Property
The board approved a maintenance agreement for stormwater detention facilities at the W.S. Young property, clarifying that apartment lessees handle day-to-day upkeep while the city inspects them.
Water System Improvements Contract Addendum
Following the October 2021 boil water notice, public works presented an after-action review outlining a new annual chlorine conversion plan with WCID #1 and booster station upgrades to prevent future water quality issues.
Commercial Vehicle Wash Water Conservation Standards
The city is implementing new rules requiring commercial car washes to get an annual certification and follow water recycling standards to conserve water and protect stormwater quality. Violators could face municipal fines up to $500.
WCID #1 Power Resilience and Water Treatment
Staff reviewed $17.5 million in necessary water system maintenance and potential future capacity expansions, suggesting rate adjustments could be targeted at high-volume water users rather than base fees.
Utility Easements for Station 52 Apartments
The city needed formal utility easements along W.S. Young Drive to finalize water and sewer lines for the apartment complex. Because the PFC and city are connected, the transfer was done for a nominal $1 fee.
Belton Water Treatment Plant Capital Improvements and Capacity Expansion
City officials reviewed a multi-million dollar upgrade project for the Belton Water Treatment Plant to replace aging pumps, electrical switchgear dating back to the 1970s, and deteriorating treatment basins. The project aims to improve plant resilience against freeze events and expand water production capacity by 3 to 6 million gallons per day to support regional growth.
Evergreen Drive Residential Drainage Flooding
A property owner on Evergreen Drive raised concerns about recurring severe flooding that damages his low-income rental home. City staff noted that while a comprehensive underground drainage project would cost millions, the city is exploring a FEMA grant to acquire the flood-prone property.
South Service Area Water CCN Acquisition
Engineers presented a $123 million water infrastructure evaluation for the 18,000-acre south service area to secure water control and future development capacity.
Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure Pilot
The city is moving ahead with advanced smart water meter infrastructure to automatically track water use and spot leaks much faster, saving money and water.
Municipal Water and Wastewater Ownership Feasibility
Council reviewed a study showing it would cost nearly $1 billion for Killeen to build its own water treatment plants, sparking debate over whether to stay in the WCID No. 1 cooperative or investigate legal history and long-term control.
High-Speed Broadband Expansion and Digital Equity
Connected Nation Texas briefed the council on massive federal broadband funding coming to Texas and strategies to improve internet access and digital skills in Killeen.
Wolf Ditch Drainage Improvements
A $205,479 construction project is planned to install storm drainage piping along Voltaire Avenue to alleviate chronic flooding issues affecting local properties.