[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6349058,"mediaKeyId","2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd","parentId",2239347,"title","Killeen council orders May bond election for proposed $155 million city hall; public debate centers on cost and downtown impact","audioSeconds",714,"startMs",7166000,"endMs",7880000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd&start=7166&end=7880","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd/thumbnail_7166000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6349058/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Killeen-council-orders-May-bond-election-for-proposed-155-million-city-hall-public-debate-centers-on-cost-and-downtown-impact","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349058-357fe5c348d762eef611e7cae19f17b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776050253&Signature=bgkxjm9rHVP6ap8RUwvI4dOtYtnhTvActlJDEeSJr1ifUmbW0ffxI0ZltmvuO41TgIelJE8LfcMICoqkK8bj3qraVDcj34Zmja7yMJLTH0tAAJ3-SWSgd8SRptaH~D0qOQHzjr5TwQwrMB9qLKYbKXtOzWCcKyCSyu7rbCPxK7ayNJ9Jmzeyql7Eeke9TXewSBzZ8JA-WKlxN~gZHnRiS4tdNlHtJn-vpmITr-mgibqie5LTdbM6lOThU2F-SjchyiA4HIAYe4ToyOGxrbbuN2qux2GsjQfrggkxnPUha~761S2lE7DET5SGiZ0wOtwuYfFF4e2AlKqdiAsscQ2~nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Killeen, TX","date","2025-02-06T16:28:47.327Z","article","The Killeen City Council voted Feb. 4 to place a bond measure on the May 3, 2025 ballot to finance a proposed consolidated city hall and related capital projects. The ordinance calling the election (OR 25‑004) passed on a council motion by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Solomon; the council recorded unanimous support on the final vote.

City staff briefed council on the history and schedule for the proposed bond. Finance staff said the full package being discussed — a long‑range concept that includes a consolidated municipal complex and other capital priorities — is sized in public materials at about $155 million. Staff and the city’s bond advisors explained debt issuance steps and timing, and noted projected household impact figures: an initial small issuance tied to design work would add roughly $4.32 annually in the first year on a $225,000 home, with the full issuance later adding roughly $15.94 in a subsequent issuance for a combined illustrative impact near $20.26 annually (staff figures), declining over time as property values grow.

Council and the public debated whether to place the question before voters or delay the plan. Councilmembers emphasized that putting the question to a public vote gives residents the final say: “If we're here truly for the will of the people, how do we know the will of the people without an election?” Councilmember Alvarez said.

Public commenters voiced sharply divided views. Opponents called the proposal a “vanity” project and warned against long‑term debt, arguing the city should repair and reuse existing historic buildings. Speakers noted concerns about total borrowing costs, municipal priorities and perceived conflicts of interest. Supporters and some council members argued the city needs consolidated space, highlighted maintenance costs of dispersed facilities and said a modern consolidated hall would improve service delivery and staff efficiency.

City manager and staff described an outreach plan that would provide factual information to voters; staff said the city’s role is to provide non‑advocacy information and that advocacy, if it occurs, would come from community groups or individual councilmembers acting in their personal capacity. Staff also said a marketing firm will be engaged to prepare outreach materials and talking points should council move forward.

Action: Council approved the ordinance calling a May 3, 2025 bond election for the proposed projects (motion: Councilmember Adams; second: Councilmember Solomon). The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Council directed staff to prepare voter information materials and timelines and discussion materials to explain cost estimates, construction timelines and options for the existing downtown campus. Several council members asked staff to present maintenance‑cost comparisons and projected downtown economic impacts as part of public outreach.

Next steps on the bond timeline include publication of voter materials, a rating application in February and a proposed bond sale calendar through April closing if voters approve the measure in May.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Killeen City Council Meeting - February 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Council on Feb. 4 approved an ordinance calling a May 3, 2025 bond election that would place a proposed $155 million city hall and related capital projects before voters. The proposal prompted extended council discussion and numerous public comments both for and against the bond.","taxTitle","Killeen, Bell County, Texas","taxId",2769,"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},6349063,"Killeen council approves $350,000 to keep Friends in Crisis homeless shelter operating through September 2025",1319,3143000,4462000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd&start=3143&end=4462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd/thumbnail_3143000.jpg","/articles/6349063/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Killeen-council-approves-350000-to-keep-Friends-in-Crisis-homeless-shelter-operating-through-September-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349063-b3cc39da6fda9908887fc96c1e76c4e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776050253&Signature=Zpr8v90vXtddtNCUyLGvBSoZrWG6rSi1YpvtItKJAfRa-5jQvm0HAjRB22MMF~HLMPIXzTD~TDPt9TH8k1SYNeGoIO~yS1lpA01LTmhRd6mw5P0N0rtg7qrExny8gyxasVVJW51qBN7gOOVnnqKJZ4XlYcTt9giD-o-nHnZcqJJyDOG8LDPw36BUAK3QaU04QK3oqIOzVcZx~Kj~TDXl0yH6nFZKfCjTMSqZSlVg2mAtivtOgHdPmD66PsvmGBGdwiuWZZpGLXRQbn9-L2bmLLyhcqtvOTgpu9ofRuqKAt3nff288abLHYwiQ9tiabgo7kJNBovB56y8Rz07M1ilFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Killeen City Council voted Feb. 4 to authorize a $350,000 funding agreement to support Families in Crisis Inc., the organization that operates the Friends in Crisis homeless shelter, covering operations through Sept. 30, 2025. The funding was taken from the fiscal year 2024 year‑end surplus fund balance and was approved as part of the consent agenda (6–0).

City staff and Families in Crisis leadership presented background on the request. Tiffany McNair, city staff, said the organization requested assistance because federal and other grant sources have declined and the shelter faces a funding shortfall that could force closure in March. She said the city previously provided $350,000 in ARPA funds for a March–Sept. 2024 term and that the requested $350,000 would cover operations for March–Sept. 2025. McNair said the shelter operates under a performance agreement tied to a CDBG facility conversion; the city forgave matching funds over a 120‑month term that runs to July 1, 2026.

William Hall and Suzanne Armour, leaders with Families in Crisis, told council they have other grant applications pending but cannot rely on them for guaranteed funds. Armour said the organization runs an annual fundraiser and has used some earned revenue and contracts to support operations. “We have applications still out and still pending, and we're hopeful to get some,” Armour said.

Council members pressed for more details about sustainability and matching funds. Councilmember Nina Cobb asked why the shelter repeatedly returns to the council for help and urged Families in Crisis to propose a contingency plan; Suzanne Armour said the organization has used internally raised funds and client fees but that federal sources such as ESG, CDBG and other emergency grants remain uncertain. Several council members asked whether other public partners — county, state or VA — were contributing; McNair said county emergency funds (TURF) were uncertain and that the organization receives multiple federal grants when available.

Public safety staff warned of downstream effects if the shelter closed. Police Chief Lopez and Sergeant Moore said the shelter plays a role in reducing street homelessness and related emergency responses; city social‑work staff reported referring dozens of people a month and that when the shelter is full the nearest non‑military option is in Temple or Waco.

Councilmember Michael Boyd asked how long the $350,000 would stretch; staff replied it would cover through Sept. 30, 2025, and that ESG funding cycles typically restart in November. Councilmember Joseph Solomon noted the performance agreement for the converted church includes a 10‑year operation commitment through July 1, 2026, and Families in Crisis said its plan, if funding becomes stable and a reunification center opens in the future, is to repurpose the existing building for housing for underserved populations.

Action: The council approved authorization for the city manager to execute a funding agreement for $350,000 to Families in Crisis Inc. (Friends in Crisis) for shelter operations through Sept. 30, 2025. The approval was part of the consent agenda; the consent motion was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Solomon, and recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

Council members asked the nonprofit and staff to return with clearer forecasts, contingency plans that define minimum service levels if federal funds lapse, and a budget timeline to align with the city’s April–May budget forecasting cycle.

The council did not place any conditions in the motion beyond standard agreement execution authority; staff said they will continue oversight under the existing performance and CDBG agreements.","City council authorized a $350,000 funding agreement on Feb. 4 to keep the Friends in Crisis homeless shelter operating through Sept. 30, 2025. Council members pressed the nonprofit on sustainability, matching funds and long‑term plans while police and outreach staff warned of service gaps if the shelter closed.",{"_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},6349065,"Hill Country Transit District reports ridership gains after redesign, outlines regional restructure",1439,337000,1776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd&start=337&end=1776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2239347-165e94fcb1fe40569a5abda242b58bbd/thumbnail_337000.jpg","/articles/6349065/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Hill-Country-Transit-District-reports-ridership-gains-after-redesign-outlines-regional-restructure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349065-6648426c2161d88a14f411a2d3adf324/orig.mp4?Expires=1776050253&Signature=Dj4kleF1EMPpXnKl29aq7HOgHErmgIujlEMTrxa~2SzSoiHclKxMoElrOWKzrHP3PFBc3xztwlNm~sDH9UxlgI9~QezFR3CDrd14i51-WnwRgQUPBLCKRPDxJXRev8n7G5Ak04e34CZUa9NpxXuF1Kv6OTa8O29q~XA1zo9EK1iF22caN1dF3aYFcD99qZ3Tgz6cmvsyfUg3yaFKqQTruTmSnVPyyAf8MGIv-zdx2ja8lqEBvTDBoQ0CCOzjbDdN7S4lXH-cmtR91AS4vWvHTh-JPsDCSpBz3GR37uThKNt7OY~zPTdl~1YZFuHxyisdnx3QzFnAXMPiInOHzQ4nsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Raymond Suarez, general manager of Hill Country Transit District, told Killeen City Council members on Feb. 4 that a system redesign and new management have produced measurable improvements in reliability, wait times and ridership across the district.

Suarez said Hendrickson Transportation Group, contracted to provide general management services, implemented service changes in September and built a technology platform that includes an app, real-time dashboards and automated trip brokering with Uber. “We implemented service September of this year in the 5 cities and we're making, great measured progress,” Suarez said. He added that average wait times on microtransit are now about 10 minutes and commuter frequency in Temple is “about 10 to 12 minutes,” down from as much as an hour previously.

The presentation outlined problems identified before the redesign — unreliable service, poor route design, limited hours and falling ridership — and the district’s response: a new operating model that consolidates dispatch, integrates off‑board trip partners, retrains staff and replaces aging vehicles. Suarez said the district has scanned and migrated records, centralized administration in Belton and consolidated demand‑response and fixed‑route services into a microtransit plus regional commuter model.

Council members asked how the system handles late‑night and weekend demand. Suarez said operations now run about 14 hours per day, through 8 p.m., and that the district has not extended service later because weekend and late‑night ridership drops sharply. He urged using system data to guide expansion. “Let's let the system tell us. Let's use actual empirical data from the system to tell us what we have available to us,” Suarez said.

On integrating transportation network companies, Suarez explained federal limits on using federal funds for TNC trips: FTA allows federal funds to pay for TNCs only when they are adjuncts to fixed‑route service and rides remain shared rather than single‑party. “If we're not running fixed route, we can't run Uber. Or we can, you just have to pay with it with local funds,” Suarez said.

Councilmember Nina Cobb raised passenger safety and whether Uber and Lyft trips expose riders to risks not present on district vehicles. Suarez said the district follows FTA safety rules, has a chief safety officer, conducts drug and alcohol testing and deploys cameras for oversight. He also said riders choose whether to accept a TNC trip and that the district will dispatch accessible vehicles for passengers needing mobility assistance.

Suarez described an organizational change underway with five counties moving to other regional providers and said FTA and TxDOT have supported that reconfiguration; he expects divestiture of those counties to be settled by the end of the month. He also said Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) is funding commuter access and contributes roughly $500,000 a year to the system.

Suarez said the district plans quarterly briefings to member councils and will bring a marketing expert to help boost awareness starting in February. He also said the board is studying vanpools and a possible Transit Management Association to allow employers to invest directly in trips.

Council members thanked Suarez and several urged clearer public communication so more riders learn about the new service patterns. Suarez said the district will post dashboards and performance data publicly and return with more detailed reports.

No council action was taken; the item was a presentation and briefing.","Hill Country Transit District officials told the Killeen City Council on Feb. 4 that a system redesign, new technology and microtransit integrations have produced early ridership increases and faster wait times; the district is divesting five rural counties and plans a full regional system March 1.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Killeen council orders May bond election for proposed $155 million city hall; public debate centers on cost and downtown impact

Killeen council approves $350,000 to keep Friends in Crisis homeless shelter operating through September 2025

Hill Country Transit District reports ridership gains after redesign, outlines regional restructure