The City Council of Keene, Texas, convened on July 31, 2025, for a budget workshop focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The meeting aimed to clarify the city's financial needs and outline personnel costs, including potential salary adjustments and new hires.

The session began with a statement addressing concerns about the city's financial stability, emphasizing the goal of transparency and education regarding budgetary needs. The council discussed proposed cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for city employees, suggesting a 3% increase for directors and managers, and a 5% increase for hourly staff. The council highlighted the importance of linking raises to performance objectives, ensuring accountability among employees.

Key discussions included the need for additional staffing to meet the demands of a growing city. The council identified specific areas for new hires, including a marketing position in the administration, three firefighters, and a new position in development services to manage increasing commercial development. The council acknowledged the current staffing challenges, noting that the city operates with 56 employees instead of the ideal 85.

The meeting also addressed funding strategies for new positions, with plans to allocate costs across various departments, including parks and recreation, administration, and water and sewer services. The council discussed potential grant funding from the Emergency Services District (ESD) to support hiring firefighters, which would cover a significant portion of the costs for the first two years.

As the meeting progressed, the council outlined the next steps in the budget process, including the distribution of budget books for review and preparation for more detailed discussions in the coming weeks. The overall aim is to create a budget that supports the city's growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In conclusion, the workshop provided a structured overview of the city's budgetary considerations, focusing on personnel costs and the need for strategic hiring to support Keene's development. The council's commitment to transparency and performance-based compensation reflects a proactive approach to managing the city's resources effectively.