Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Killeen public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in water utilities with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.