Killeen City Council reviews 2026 budget and reunification center project options

The Killeen City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on critical budget discussions and the status of the Reunification Center project aimed at addressing homelessness in the community.

During the meeting, Council members reviewed proposed changes to the fiscal year 2026 operating and capital improvement budget. Councilwoman Copp emphasized the need for budgetary restraint, particularly regarding the travel budget, which has seen a significant increase from $35,000 in 2021 to a projected $131,000 in 2026. She urged her colleagues to consider reducing travel expenses to allocate funds more effectively during a time of financial constraints.

The council also discussed the Reunification Center project, which aims to provide emergency shelter and support services for unhoused individuals. The project has been in development since 2021, with a strategic plan adopted in February 2023. However, concerns were raised about the sustainability of funding for the center, given the city's current budget challenges. Council members debated whether to proceed with the project, suspend it, or reallocate funds to other eligible projects.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing need for community support services for the homeless population, despite budget limitations. Council members expressed a consensus on the importance of addressing homelessness but acknowledged the necessity of ensuring that any new initiatives could be financially sustained.

As the meeting concluded, the council was tasked with making a decision on the future of the Reunification Center project and the proposed budget adjustments, reflecting the city's commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs.