[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6197149,"mediaKeyId","3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17","parentId",3853794,"title","Heart of Texas Defense Alliance briefs council on Fort Cavazos developments; council approves $4,505 reimbursement","audioSeconds",564,"startMs",4324000,"endMs",4888000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17&start=4324&end=4888","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17/thumbnail_4324000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6197149/Copperas-Cove/Coryell-County/Texas/Heart-of-Texas-Defense-Alliance-briefs-council-on-Fort-Cavazos-developments-council-approves-4505-reimbursement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197149-3f90f4f66222708ca4862179cf5b60a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187369&Signature=Bk0a4j7kCA71Gww4Omkd6ZjgEXzS8IYv8cP49cQ2hm-Mro-Y2A-JAJewWnu0IqoNisN-sRWf1Jp2042mK7hDhFsyWt0FfWOm3PEibkleNF2YzBcl3Lip2zE2iFWrfannD1-Oegh63qnKWc7yklVgYorVUI-llw94U7plELy6yhQ6tSX-MRAHMvpMETQDXwo79uv4wDE3cztFTCIeL6hlzjnZs8JhnH7YzUYpa1uZoSAv91mvRRfcLjRI0ZnI9g-YkJNVMv5AQ8ReiVdupl-yW-O3i~xXRaZqz5Xyat4CpdqlyE0-KqOMczkmENd5f8cJRVdoI5Q~epTTtCGzyLx3rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Copperas Cove TX","date","2025-06-18T00:25:30Z","article","Keith Sledd, executive director of the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance (HODA), gave a quarterly briefing to the City Council on June 17 that touched on Fort Cavazos‑related activity, regional grants and transportation pilots and closed with a council approval to reimburse HODA for professional services.

What was reported: Sledd said the Army issued orders to redesignate Fort Cavazos to Fort Hood and that digital platforms have started to change, though an official public renaming date had not been announced and no additional funding was attached to the change. He also reported that the post’s microtransit pilot — a shuttle service that began March 1 last year — has logged about 278,000 rides to date with average daily ridership near 590–620, and that current interim funding may extend service into December while longer‑term funding is pursued.

Sledd discussed other defense‑community items including an Army decision to replace older RC‑12 turboprop aircraft with newer jets (with a potential stationing decision that could bring more aircraft and soldiers to the region in 2026–27) and broader Army reorganization initiatives. He also said the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot and other grant programs are moving through federal and state channels.

Council action

Following the briefing council authorized payment of up to $4,505 to the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance to reimburse professional services. Dale Treadway made the motion, Vania Hart seconded it, and the motion passed by voice vote.

Context and next steps

Sledd said the microtransit pilot and other initiatives are being coordinated with federal and state partners; long‑term funding and project details — including bills or appropriation decisions at higher levels of government — remain subject to federal and state processes. The council’s reimbursement supports HODA’s professional work on those efforts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 06-17-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Keith Sledd, executive director of the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, updated council on Fort Cavazos (re)designations, microtransit, and aviation unit stationing; council approved a reimbursement/payment of up to $4,505 to the alliance for professional services.","taxTitle","Copperas Cove, Coryell County, Texas","taxId",52762,"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},6197154,"Council authorizes interlocal agreement ceding subdivision‑plat jurisdiction in ETJ to Coryell County",142,4791000,4933000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17&start=4791&end=4933","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17/thumbnail_4791000.jpg","/articles/6197154/Copperas-Cove/Coryell-County/Texas/Council-authorizes-interlocal-agreement-ceding-subdivisionplat-jurisdiction-in-ETJ-to-Coryell-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197154-6fe1a0423a8fcc172c636f8a0e7980c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187369&Signature=h9-ORRdp3TsWZSbqb2~pHUmanUBbMxMhOPa5fI74K9Mdqr70l9UYSX~2aZvuuCPdy29v3vRt6NJyTxmsoL9C5-8omEuRmRFDBAXgCzHlpb8iBgMhIz~g9BRoIlU2P95qR7Miop604Rzq0D8CIHNFCZ71Ldu3APZ1upU5woYSBPXhQj2epXG7ZoQrE6V4E2gCekY77HvmL1y9QpPrQ0iHeIL0AytP68HAhjx9yNyzhui1oMPc1eJpCZ748KXF-gt2kp1cVv~MtqlfbASF6OFmpwcGSbUzLX8s9i8I9Z1jn4rBMfx-RAKatRfPHlXKcUdqIhIuztHF8GL86szB-58BlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Copperas Cove City Council on June 17 authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement granting Coryell County exclusive jurisdiction to regulate subdivision plats and related permits within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Bobby Lewis, the city’s development services director, told council the city has limited authority in its ETJ and noted that Lampasas County previously was granted similar jurisdiction. Lewis said Coryell County’s commissioners approved the same interlocal agreement on May 13 and that under the agreement the county will accept subdivision plat applications in the ETJ and will send copies to the city upon receipt. The city will notify Coryell County of any ETJ boundary changes that result from annexation.

Why it matters: The change transfers plat review authority in the ETJ from the city to Coryell County, removing the city’s responsibility for subdivision permitting outside city limits. Lewis told council the agreement was intended to provide a single county‑level permitting route for properties in the ETJ and to clarify procedures for notification and coordination.

Council action

Council voted to authorize the mayor to execute the interlocal agreement; the motion passed by voice vote.

What remains the same

Lewis clarified during council questions that building permits and inspections for properties inside the city limits will continue to be handled by the city. The interlocal agreement applies only to the ETJ and does not change in‑city permitting or inspections.","The council authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement giving Coryell County exclusive jurisdiction to review and regulate subdivision plats and related permits inside the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); the county commission approved the agreement on May 13.",{"_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},6197159,"Council approves rezoning and future land‑use change to allow retail at 2105 FM 3046",131,1980000,2111000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17&start=1980&end=2111","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17/thumbnail_1980000.jpg","/articles/6197159/Copperas-Cove/Coryell-County/Texas/Council-approves-rezoning-and-future-landuse-change-to-allow-retail-at-2105-FM-3046","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197159-811e5241c86a64bc6b5c13936830f236/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187369&Signature=Y3bVIgLn70Gona9U3LVw4PsTMnKtIjFDcO69pOvqYoX7n3wGja~3Wn59Q0s9aDcXiKlQioKF05xl0jzysaY5de9384whZsggIea3rkZrIYVbKikk4DXy-nHEjYRFMcES6~0pJzpvxlgUn~IVQJduTW~2~RIOUJNwzt45IycocC-FIRwAd7x9AmdLyeVUhFk5UpI2kRcZhj0QzxpNzbdqH8jg2S1I05Ey4njsD77MVvJ-6SKmXy35fLuzKCbQ018MMem-YnjvDBtpOr-jmGuZRzrTMWoOmZD7jL83BzHCBBJig-cgPNvKV2uaO57-6zo3a6g8EYM7SxTDaKOTjrpdnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Copperas Cove City Council on June 17 approved two ordinances to change how two adjacent parcels at 2105 FM 3046 are designated and zoned, clearing the way for expansion of an existing convenience store and future retail development.

Why it matters: The two parcels total about 2.59 acres and are adjacent to existing commercial development along FM 3046. The change of future land use and rezoning will permit retail and other RC (retail and commercial) district uses, subject to the city’s zoning regulations and any conditional development standards.

Bobby Lewis, the city’s development services director, told the council that staff received the FUTMAP amendment and rezoning applications from applicant Wesley Atkinson on April 30, and that the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval on May 27. Lewis said the requested RC zoning allows a broad range of retail and service uses and accessory activities, and staff recommended approval of both ordinances.

During the public hearing, resident Joanne Clark asked whether usages near a nearby school and churches would allow tobacco, vaping or liquor sales; Lewis replied that certain uses (for example, liquor) have statutory or local restrictions and proximity limitations that apply and that such restrictions are enforced through the zoning and permit processes.

George Mesa of Contero Engineering, representing the applicant, said the primary intent is to expand the existing A‑Stop convenience store and that a fast‑food restaurant has expressed interest in the adjacent portion of the property.

Council action

The council opened the public hearings, heard staff and public comments and voted to approve Ordinance No. 2025‑17 (Future Land Use Map amendment) and Ordinance No. 2025‑18 (rezoning to RC). The motions passed with affirmative votes; the council did not add supplemental conditions in the hearing.

What’s next

With the FUTMAP amendment and zoning change in place, the developer may proceed with platting and site plan approvals required by the city before building permits are issued. Lewis noted that permitted uses such as liquor or adult‑oriented activities remain subject to state and local restrictions and any special‑use or licensing processes required by law.","The City Council approved Ordinance No. 2025‑17 to amend the future land‑use plan and Ordinance No. 2025‑18 to rezone two parcels at 2105 FM 3046 from low‑density residential to retail/commercial to accommodate expansion of an existing convenience store and future commercial development.",{"_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},6197164,"Copperas Cove proposes $77.4 million budget; utility rate increases planned to cover capital projects",1004,1504000,2508000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17&start=1504&end=2508","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3853794-e9acfd0a4e095f103edb7736ea464b17/thumbnail_1504000.jpg","/articles/6197164/Copperas-Cove/Coryell-County/Texas/Copperas-Cove-proposes-774-million-budget-utility-rate-increases-planned-to-cover-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197164-18805fee14311ce84efeba13293889f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187369&Signature=IqBKs0Trvn1l-GRus4JMlT5wk7ZhOAaAkMMWvSm8jUHcvcHUJd7vufkAOsFJlu4527ztQ3qs5XxfKgBH~RnWHNNjfYysMvRuCYAemm~~qlqKFofwwLdcbsGe8cYd3-HzbYSLHtufZDd8s1gBhSA4RwdJIbtFt2iR53cBeYxv0rhyoQ0mRk04o9lfZj6giMtoe7mH6yj2P2vWAMe9s~SeJx1dhMEfKvGbJfiUBjPuC9FVndO81A0T7E4RBbGcI35qeRFOWS3fPSwTiU4yqLZLB1sUKoS3ALHE1bqECkvbfWm27b5Wuz-31X85ip-4erXPU13k07uq1kBOj~LY8SOBkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Ryan Haverlaw on June 17 presented the City of Copperas Cove’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, saying the plan would be “a $77,400,000 budget” and outlining a roughly $800,000 projected general‑fund shortfall tied to state changes in the disabled‑veterans exemption reimbursement and adopted salary adjustments.

Why it matters: The council must adopt a budget, tax rate and fee schedule by state law before the end of September. The city’s proposed plan includes significant capital spending and relies in part on enterprise and reserve balances; an updated utility rate model presented the same night shows rate increases would be required over multiple years to support planned water and wastewater capital projects.

Haverlaw told the council the budget is built on four major operating funds — general fund, water and sewer, solid waste and golf course — and that the general fund begins with an estimated $12.2 million, projects $24.6 million in revenues and $25.4 million in expenditures, and would end next year with about $11.4 million in balance. He said the gap stems largely from market and grade‑and‑step pay adjustments for public safety and from state legislative changes affecting the disabled‑veterans property‑tax exemption reimbursements.

Haverlaw presented four options to address the general‑fund deficit: hold a tax rate election, adopt a voter‑approval maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate (which allows a 3.5% increase over no‑new‑revenue rate without an election), use fund balance, or remove market/step pay adjustments from the proposed budget. He said the proposed budget as presented currently assumes using the third option (utilizing fund balance) but outlined the tradeoffs for council consideration prior to adoption.

Ariana Beckman, the city’s budget director, and department directors were credited by Haverlaw for preparing the proposal; he said council will take action to set a public‑hearing date and is scheduled to consider adoption on Aug. 19, 2025. Haverlaw also noted that state law (Local Government Code, ch. 102) sets timing for public hearings and adoption.

Updated utility rate model

Scott Osborne, director of public works, and consultant Matthew Garrett of NewGen Strategies and Solutions presented an updated rate model for water, wastewater, solid waste and drainage that incorporates a six‑year capital improvement plan and current debt assumptions. Garrett said the forecast includes roughly $100 million of capital projects from 2025 through 2030 and showed that, \"if we do nothing\" to raise rates, expenses would increasingly exceed revenues and available fund balances would be depleted.

The NewGen model recommends a multi‑year, phased increase in water rates (largest driver because of water system debt), more modest increases for sewer, and annual increases for solid waste and drainage. Garrett presented sample bill impacts for a typical residential 5,000‑gallon customer rising from about $133.32 today to roughly $146.74 under the five‑year plan — an increase of about $13 per month for the model customer — and emphasized that the increases are designed to restore debt service coverage and maintain policy reserves over the forecast horizon.

Garrett said the model anticipates modest customer growth (about 200 water customers and 215 wastewater customers over the horizon) and includes purposeful short‑term use of fund balance in the near term while debt service from planned issuances begins to phase in.

Council process and next steps

Haverlaw and staff said the presentations were introductory and that detailed budget and rate hearings and work sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks. The council will set a public hearing date on the budget, receive certified property values in July for tax‑rate calculations, and take action on the budget and tax rate at the Aug. 19 meeting.

The presentations did not include council votes on rates; staff recommended further detailed review and scheduled follow‑up workshops and public hearings before any rate ordinance or budget adoption.","City Manager Ryan Haverlaw introduced a proposed $77.4 million FY2025–26 budget that relies on fund balance and proposes options for closing an $800,000 shortfall; an updated utility rate model from consultant NewGen recommends phased water, wastewater, solid-waste and drainage increases to support $100 million in CIP through 2030.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Heart of Texas Defense Alliance briefs council on Fort Cavazos developments; council approves $4,505 reimbursement

Council authorizes interlocal agreement ceding subdivision‑plat jurisdiction in ETJ to Coryell County

Council approves rezoning and future land‑use change to allow retail at 2105 FM 3046

Copperas Cove proposes $77.4 million budget; utility rate increases planned to cover capital projects