[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6669124,"mediaKeyId","2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36","parentId",2192218,"title","Abilene managers present bare‑bones FY2026 budget; council moves to add water infrastructure priority","audioSeconds",30,"startMs",708000,"endMs",738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36&start=708&end=738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36/thumbnail_708000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6669124/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-managers-present-barebones-FY2026-budget-council-moves-to-add-water-infrastructure-priority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6669124-4ba3ae123fe33867c08e61fed6723543/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156997&Signature=gsh3VazMaix0mWketGTY2CJ2lM8uAY7hUfeFYbG5DNWXbqnavvanx0qxJICog7H-HGte1gNLdORU0HrdR-ZjtVQ-QCllhrWIN-xP4o10vq0iNEQPh8aP6ueCpki3XluqbS-C06cYNcgLwioMVPDzm~Qdbg8msKGFpw-wo~xBI7u2tFZq9JOvK~ePXNNwR0zt-H1WbnQfv5vu8yC8IHJBbTYomGzktBjdTB-5n-0gpKGxYUq-0ZLglk8K3U2koCFiLjPI8J36ptCnSRuqBbyUQQVrkoTvDTLy6w8nOQjkpfJyV5TSNlHFY2kd0kdIGRIfMZnd7XIZv8RgxH1iubixqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Abilene","date","2025-01-31T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Robert Hanna presented a preliminary, conservative FY2026 budget at the workshop, emphasizing the need for an early conversation about council priorities and near‑term adjustments to fund personnel and operating needs.

Key assumptions and constraints: Staff said the budget assumes the statutory 3.5% property tax increment (the council may levy less), projects 1% sales tax growth, and uses conservative revenue assumptions because appraisal district values and some revenue drivers remain uncertain. FY2025 was described as a $132 million revenue year with reserves above minimum by about $792,000; staff reported a continuing target of roughly a 90‑day general fund reserve.

Personnel, service and transfers: Cost pressures include step increases for police and fire, full staffing of a new fire station and two recreation facilities, and a roughly $1.9 million personnel increase for staffing the new Abilene Heritage Square library. Staff proposed temporary reductions in multiple transfers to the Minor Improvement Program (MIP) and several enterprise funds — for example lowering the MIP sales‑tax transfer from 5% toward 3.34% for one year — to cover FY26 personnel costs, and reducing certain general fund transfers to self‑insurance and transit where those funds have stronger balances.

Council priorities: During the retreat discussion councilors proposed and then agreed to move “water infrastructure and sources” onto the council’s list of priorities; in turn staff recommended shifting “efficient and cost‑effective government” into the city’s strategic goals rather than the top priorities list. Council members said the priorities list should be actionable and limited to five items.

Next steps: Staff said this presentation is a preliminary snapshot and that the budget will be refined when clearer revenue figures arrive; the formal budget process, public hearings and adoption will follow the statutory calendar. No formal budget adoption occurred at the workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Abilene - City Council Retreat - Jan 31, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Robert Hanna presented a conservative FY2026 preliminary budget that assumes statutory tax increments and modest sales tax growth; the council agreed to add water infrastructure to its top priorities list and discussed one‑time reductions in transfers to cover near‑term personnel costs.","taxTitle","Abilene, Taylor County, Texas","taxId",2817,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6669133,"Abilene explores $50–70M terminal upgrade; council favors bond vote in May",1993,4729000,6722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36&start=4729&end=6722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36/thumbnail_4729000.jpg","/articles/6669133/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-explores-5070M-terminal-upgrade-council-favors-bond-vote-in-May","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6669133-d591d6dcdfe22e58ebdca6c1dd0425fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156997&Signature=hotHW~6TbFwQckaipjfURtP9riNWowwxIvNAnL74B22MdE4KP3hyfBDPW6L2NgUEaUALoe3qKKY9EFYtXhmWHCDIgtt0KtzODFddhQu0NbBQc3O8iC~-5ba8M21mco9839LProi517EiVdR-ISrjS-tS9m7TBVsRkl92vDIenci0NQvkdpwL133Pb304Oeurs3ISqIxfMVPe6-9cvnoFJ09mZskBEG0cPmzYr~XRB7bSC2BVSlYpe~awg7oKnshJc37c~XKhNMZd5XhOo~IZoYb7GFYuEDQxr155Q6BGZ-UZ0Lvfa210irFe~OZRaQLf0hH63bVxdL7Y~MXg~G1khQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and airport consultants presented a concept design for a major expansion and modernization of Abilene Regional Airport’s terminal, with estimated full‑build costs in the neighborhood of $50–70 million depending on scope and value engineering.

Design and rationale: Architects proposed expanding the boarding/hold room area by roughly 5,000 square feet, re‑locating the security checkpoint into the present ticket lobby to free upper‑level space and adding a visible glass elevator, larger restrooms, a nursing room and a multi‑use business/VIP area to seat up to 200 passengers. The exterior concept emphasizes increased glazing, shading louvers, a third traffic lane at the upper drive and a balcony overlooking the ramp for passenger use. The designs also call for replacement of aging HVAC, a new fire‑sprinkler and fire‑alarm system, modernized access control and replacement/refurbishment of escalators/elevator equipment.

Funding and timing: Airport staff explained the airport plans to pursue FAA Airport Improvement Program entitlement and discretionary grants, the Department of Transportation terminal grants (ATP) and WIFIA/WATER programs where eligible. Staff estimated the city share could be in the range of $20 million if grants cover the remainder; splitting the project into phases would raise overall cost and reduce grant competitiveness. The airport’s preferred path is a single‑phase build with a target to apply for ATP in the current cycle; that timeline makes a May bond election preferable to demonstrate city commitment to grantors. Council members expressed a preference for a single ballot measure in May and directed staff to bring an item for formal council consideration of a ballot placement.

Council discussion and next steps: Councilors asked for clearer value engineering choices and a staged cost plan that preserves the most critical functionality (expanded boarding area, HVAC, access control, restrooms) while deferring less essential aesthetic elements. Staff will return with a more detailed, priced scope and a proposed ballot question. No formal vote was taken at the workshop. If approved on a May ballot the project would proceed to design, secure grants and begin construction in a schedule that the airport estimated at roughly two years from contract award for a single‑phase build.","Abilene city staff and airport consultants presented a concept to expand and modernize the Abilene Regional Airport terminal with a projected city share of roughly $20 million if federal grants cover the remainder; council signaled preference for a May bond election to fund the local portion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6669138,"Abilene council hears options to address $70M firefighter pension shortfall",462,7100000,7562000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36&start=7100&end=7562","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36/thumbnail_7100000.jpg","/articles/6669138/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-council-hears-options-to-address-70M-firefighter-pension-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6669138-dee54d56724e2f1355d5a52a66b77a80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156997&Signature=hldTu~uHoV30X9rh-6WVYyImxT3uCinGKrCDAohNqSMTgWI-A95Gtq~ewk3a0S1RXkW~H~yayOghJ2JecFX23buCdiSIfU8cKdbqNn5eP8a5jgaBmFQH~RR~u0VKljESojUJyc~PMdrfycZWBCgKGxV5Qx-IUJ8tuaN953x7TCYebIE6C9gNo3OlaMoUGlVl32CBA8udeK9aO6b2K6Q5J9YtPqoUxLlWENaPjFRuwjyV8mnBZ8c5ex49iS0UpvMPpqa6RjBlgCIjunVPnEAOendl8nvq65dJblIk-tsxfBjR9OdgmID8JhfcQZXj3uRXNTf7VSl1G7iqTcQz~AKdmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials and the Abilene Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund spent the budget workshop reviewing a long-running, multi‑decade shortfall in the firefighters’ pension and potential routes to fix it, including issuing debt to fully fund liabilities or changing the retirement plan for new hires.

The fund’s most recent public actuarial figure (October 2023) showed a funded ratio of about 45% and an unfunded liability in the tens of millions; staff and the pension board discussed a working estimate of roughly $70 million to fully fund the liability. City management described that continuing to rely solely on investment returns and incremental increases would not resolve the shortfall.

Council and pension board members outlined several reform tools that other Texas cities have used: increase employer and employee contributions, adopt more conservative actuarial assumptions, replace or close the two‑tier benefit structure, and consider issuing public debt to buy down the unfunded liability and reduce future annual contribution needs. City staff reported analysis by Hilltop Securities showing multiple debt‑funding scenarios that could produce long‑term savings in annual contribution costs, depending on the amount financed and market rates.

Board members and councilors also discussed transitioning new firefighter hires into the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) as a possible long‑term change. Staff explained the tradeoffs: TMRS generally has a lower employer contribution rate and broader state‑wide risk pool but can change the benefit profile for long‑service firefighters. Actuarial modelling is required to estimate whether moving new hires to TMRS would reduce future city costs without worsening the fund’s funded ratio in the short‑term.

Council members asked for and were promised refined actuarial modelling and debt scenarios. Staff said Foster & Foster (the pension actuary) and other consultants were preparing updated valuations and sensitivity runs that will show: (1) the effect of issuing debt to fund 50–100% of the liability, (2) how employer contribution rates would change under each approach, (3) the fiscal impact of converting new hires to TMRS, and (4) draft contractual language to protect the city from future unilateral increases in pension liability by the pension board.

Council direction: members signaled they want the city and pension board to continue cooperative work and receive the updated actuarial analysis and financing scenarios before deciding. No council action or vote was taken at the workshop.","City staff and the Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund discussed options including debt restructuring, actuarial changes and switching new hires to TMRS to address an estimated roughly $70 million unfunded liability; council asked for further study and cooperative action with the pension board.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6669129,"Abilene council weighs trial of ParkMobile paid parking for two new downtown lots",728,1620000,2348000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36&start=1620&end=2348","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6669129/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-council-weighs-trial-of-ParkMobile-paid-parking-for-two-new-downtown-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6669129-e8647fc2e7160ca7f27dba1323d2c812/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156997&Signature=mY-M4ryxQ7Q2mJsrsiV6aRhCHs71pOBLtnE7YtEcdDvXhSvyAtf9w43moxo0I2Iv-kUViiys7r7bQSWPTdpZOUQj1O45HuA5sS7am~C4qMlw~WfRual73x4vj6fAyMuQg4idl0pELvrcdC~bqr8hhb8YeYmjI4Ol8Yr4z-OEZotJEngvjN2Wxfmo0IehccfldiF0QrzggDCz090~EX5cWs4enT~vVcIRh29mpbK49D8wYrJG1tzVhhq8e1yW9g~1rRjIxRRGT8iuzF~SjuXc8yGYsw3mYGCKGOHlTjOiItDgYjuqbH0ioS9gvQxydRHUhk5Zg7faQ3PqRfoINU5ERw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff asked council whether to pilot a ParkMobile pay‑by‑phone program on two newly opened downtown lots as a way to improve turnover, reduce long‑term merchant complaints about all‑day parking by employees and create a revenue stream for downtown upkeep.

The proposed program: Staff described an off‑the‑shelf solution using the ParkMobile vendor: drivers would scan a QR code or search a zone, pay by credit card and receive automatic expiry warnings on their phone; signs and initial installation would be provided by the vendor. Staff said the vendor charges per transaction (a fee passed to the user) and manages disputes so city staff do not handle transactions. A typical daily rate model was illustrated (daily cap ~$20 to align with nearby hotel daily parking); staff recommended keeping two lots free permanently and pilot the paid system on two other lots.

Concerns and conditions: Council members and downtown stakeholders raised concerns that paid parking could discourage customers and raise employee parking costs for downtown businesses. Several councilors suggested a two‑hour free grace period and a discounted monthly employee or business validation option through the vendor; staff noted ParkMobile offers business monthly plans and validation/paid‑by‑merchant schemes. Council also requested outreach to the Downtown Association and nearby businesses and asked staff to return with revenue estimates, enforcement details, accessibility/analog payment options (for users without smartphones) and a phased timeline.

Outcome: Council supported further study and stakeholder engagement and asked staff to return with an ordinance, vendor contract terms, revenue estimates and an outreach plan. Staff said the pilot could be phased to start only on the two new lots and that free two‑hour periods could match on‑street limits to avoid deterring short‑term visits.

No formal vote was taken at the workshop.","City staff presented a ParkMobile pay‑by‑phone pilot for two newly opened downtown lots to increase turnover and generate revenue for streetscape and maintenance. Council asked staff to do more stakeholder outreach and return with an ordinance and phased implementation plan.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6669119,"Abilene staff outline accelerated PFAS response and $300M‑plus water CIP options; council urged WIFIA/TWDB plus partial cash",1207,11474000,12681000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36&start=11474&end=12681","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2192218-93f40b7ad9aa83de093f1a25d43c9e36/thumbnail_11474000.jpg","/articles/6669119/Abilene/Taylor-County/Texas/Abilene-staff-outline-accelerated-PFAS-response-and-300Mplus-water-CIP-options-council-urged-WIFIATWDB-plus-partial-cash","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6669119-c576e4a651ed2910e84b5c8f846242c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156997&Signature=cfnj~9-J3LTFEDtM9iutGdsgQVLdTav5Dmf6Vhf3oHfsatKS0dXiuee9tt9js1CWJeht7VbuBn6Y-CBzsW7MK3iyyliVjSvNZO~BO1kZirDWRMIT5rLwtk4IpBlxoQSYcnqeUCfOAPUoza23bo~BGmiz0msMaXq9KiBUBhEGDIj-1KChXP7WlhLLG~Gz1UfuYOM9yLZoX3UTkiMyAEIEQ4l0OMHKd2MVZx2vSVb9HeCPI4S1CGM7VAiba~XHOR3U9oDQICJ7496hT6FeuTFfIz88QTBNsFxNbPtLRuw5x4eZN2V0PSJzj1ZAHkJ64ga6MI0znKx1xOHON1zayyrjPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City water staff reviewed an updated master plan and an expedited timeline to comply with newly proposed federal per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) limits and to address aging plant capacity and reliability.

System context: Abilene’s water system currently treats surface supplies at multiple plants. Staff described the operational tradeoffs of the three‑plant footprint and said the Grimes plant has reached the end of its structural life; engineering analysis recommended retiring Grimes and reallocating capacity to Hargisheimer (south) and Northeast (north) while building a crosstown connection so south‑side plants can receive treated water in constrained scenarios.

PFAS and capital needs: The EPA’s proposed MCLs (4 ppt/10 ppt) trigger required treatment by April 2029. Initial sampling showed two raw sources above those levels. Engineering staff presented a broad PFAS treatment cost range of roughly $60–150 million for treatment alone; combined with other master‑plan projects staff presented total program costs that could exceed $300 million in current‑dollar terms after recent construction‑cost escalation.

Funding scenarios and rate impacts: Staff modelled four funding approaches: all‑cash pay‑as‑you‑go (highest near‑term rate increases but lower lifetime interest), municipal debt (COs) financing, TWDB/WIFIA‑sourced debt, and a hybrid TWDB/WIFIA plus accelerated cash paydown. The hybrid approach — using low‑cost federal/state loans and deliberately building cash to prepay principal when WIFIA payments start — produced lower long‑term interest costs and smoother rate impacts in staff modelling. Staff warned that timelines and costs remain uncertain and that PFAS regulatory outcomes in federal court could change scope and schedule.

Operational items: Staff noted the PK RO (reverse‑osmosis) raw‑water treatment and associated concentrate discharge remain on a fast track; bringing that plant online will create new operating costs (estimated roughly $1.8M/year) that are not reflected in the CIP models until the council decides how to recover operations (rate increases vs. a small recurring fee).

Council direction: Council asked staff to pursue TWDB/WIFIA applications where appropriate, continue refining grant and debt packaging, and return with updated rate impact scenarios and detailed cash vs. debt comparisons. No decisions were made at the workshop.

Next steps: Staff will prioritize NEH expansion and PFAS treatment design, continue pricing updates, and pursue state/federal funding opportunities while updating the council on refined cost estimates.","Utilities staff presented an expedited plan to address new PFAS limits and an updated $300M+ master‑plan timeline. Staff modelled funding scenarios (all cash, municipal debt, TWDB/WIFIA debt, and TWDB/WIFIA plus cash) and recommended a mixed approach to minimize long‑term interest and rate impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Abilene managers present bare‑bones FY2026 budget; council moves to add water infrastructure priority

Abilene explores $50–70M terminal upgrade; council favors bond vote in May

Abilene council hears options to address $70M firefighter pension shortfall

Abilene council weighs trial of ParkMobile paid parking for two new downtown lots

Abilene staff outline accelerated PFAS response and $300M‑plus water CIP options; council urged WIFIA/TWDB plus partial cash