Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in McLennan County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in budget
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Adoption
The county is balancing its upcoming budget by evaluating operational expenditures, employee incentives, outside entity funding cuts, and a proposed property tax rate increase to maintain fiscal health and address deferred maintenance.
Health Plan Sustainability
Waco is tightening its belt by hiking health insurance premiums for city employees by 7% and dropping coverage for weight-loss drugs. It’s a tough move aimed at balancing the books, but it definitely hits the wallets of the people who keep the city running.
FY 2027 Property Tax Rate
Because of a massive administrative screw-up, over 130 Texas cities—including some in McLennan County—are currently legally barred from raising property taxes. Local officials are scrambling to figure out how this budget freeze will impact city services and upcoming projects.
Data Center Tax Policy
Governor Abbott is looking to scrap tax breaks for data centers, which could completely change how Waco lures tech companies to town. It’s a major shift that might force local leaders to rethink how they balance business growth with city revenue.
Museum Infrastructure Funding
Waco just landed $10 million in state funding to give the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum a much-needed facelift. This project aims to modernize the aging landmark and boost the city's appeal as a top-tier tourist destination.
Infrastructure Funding
Waco is dropping $228,000 of taxpayer money to expand a road near the new Park Meadows South development beyond what the builder initially planned. The city says it’s a proactive move to prevent future traffic jams, but it’s a significant chunk of change for a private project.
Behavioral Health and Opioid Settlement Funding Initiatives
The county renewed its contract with Prosper Waco to coordinate behavioral health initiatives, leveraging state Rider 58 funding and opioid settlement money to expand psychiatric bed capacity and jail reentry programs.
County Budget Revenue
McLennan County just landed a record-breaking $380,000 from the 1998 tobacco settlement. It’s a nice chunk of change that gives the county some extra breathing room for upcoming projects.
Public Health Funding
The local health district is reeling after a $1.1 million federal funding cut forced them to lay off eight employees. Expect longer lines and a harder time getting the basic health services you rely on.
Budget Cuts
Waco is cutting funding for local non-profits by 20% to balance the city budget. This means the community programs you use every day might have to cut back on their services or hours soon.
Budget Deficit
Waco’s economic boom is slowing down, leaving the city with a budget gap to fill. Officials are now looking at where to trim the fat, which could mean changes to the services you rely on.