[{"_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",6504490,"mediaKeyId","5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1","parentId",5607372,"title","Final PUD for Hilltop Addition advances to council after staff says plan meets requirements","audioSeconds",401,"startMs",5318000,"endMs",5719000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1&start=5318&end=5719","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1/thumbnail_5318000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6504490/Waco/McLennan-County/Texas/Final-PUD-for-Hilltop-Addition-advances-to-council-after-staff-says-plan-meets-requirements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504490-77a5c50662ba65343db4a1dbfa7039c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163633&Signature=RIKofzcQVJVx7JbBngmmaENN9wtqRL6XfitRmDccomLVWb6rL6gBNlbAXoYgqpLVtFpoGrqQPne0CDNNw0ikF2bMOc1dGQQtoNNXW-uDJ5V7kNL4eZZCWzxglPshys7lIzcm~uufL9tZDAp06AqP2HVUlsLchoo4TaVXhTgwiDPQ7Pgay4OBFThvVu2sOT6r5ckr95Y65gtNqsxb-39GY30cIZrcJnOSHAjBdezWXo35T0Y0rSM-bdXNlMmo1keEbWOZH3dkIabTrM2AJ2TfBKjkbBvlauvRVCYDbxrA-QfHXDNRYUy3ioozLhSF3LG2lEgpzzJ0mA6zaMR3R8edFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Waco, TX","date","2025-08-20T15:25:47.883Z","article","Clint Peters, director of Development Services, briefed the council on the final planned‑unit development (PUD) for the Hilltop Addition, a subdivision proposed along Loop 340 and Hermosa Drive.

Peters explained the two‑step PUD process used by the city: a concept rezoning (previously approved on first reading) followed by a final PUD plan that tests consistency with the concept, sufficient open space, residential design standards and infrastructure adequacy.

Why it matters: The final PUD would increase density from what single‑family zoning allowed on the site, proposing 63 single‑family lots where the prior R1B designation would have allowed 49. Staff said the plan provides on‑site sidewalks and connectivity to nearby Buena Vista Park, including an off‑site sidewalk connection of about 600 feet into the park and the trail system.

Key details
Peters told council that the developer submitted final‑level design information and that the plan meets the city’s design standards, including facade variation requirements. TxDOT reviewed proposed access on Loop 340 and required that the site function as a right‑in/right‑out; internal streets will include sidewalks on both sides.

Planning Commission action and public input
Peters said the Planning Commission recommended approval of the final PUD by a 9–0 vote. He also noted staff received a petition in opposition representing roughly 12% of the 200‑foot notification area; because the final PUD is not a zoning ordinance, the petition did not trigger the supermajority referral threshold used for rezoning ordinances.

Next steps
The final PUD is scheduled for the evening public hearing and council action. Peters said the plan meets the city’s three tests for final PUD approval and recommended the council consider the resolution on the evening agenda.

Ending
Council members who spoke during the work session said the increased density is balanced by the site’s proximity to Buena Vista Park and by the required pedestrian connections.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Work Session (August 19, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Development staff summarized the final planned‑unit development for Hilltop Addition on Loop 340, saying the final plan meets city requirements for open space, design standards and infrastructure; Planning Commission recommended approval 9–0 and the project will appear on the evening agenda for council action.","taxTitle","Waco, McLennan County, Texas","taxId",2807,"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},6504493,"Waco recommends $16.5 million construction award for Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park; full project budget remains $25.3 million",1451,3679000,5130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1&start=3679&end=5130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1/thumbnail_3679000.jpg","/articles/6504493/Waco/McLennan-County/Texas/Waco-recommends-165-million-construction-award-for-Alice-Martinez-Rodriguez-Park-full-project-budget-remains-253-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504493-2c2e0cf510d05e0a74d543686a34c325/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163633&Signature=UOSaR~kL2LMPSzFdzm5RcPfeRqKOe3oOYA8T01zRbcILCwXthO8q31OoIofpOZNc7gHSFSZz-l8nd0Fpzn3zdhFVmA8hGZLXKv~T15WOlSrzfwKWulGgHrZaRCOIYhSRe7L700zllgG~4B6Vvr3Tk74RsaCKHpD184cHvb2M6Q4Ce7agzeDSfnAcI8IB4f8qbN7L3ZD~-2kUp8d-c~cAKBx65KVS2X1BCyilhVd0JA6eLdsHVd1BYjd17rp9~TpJpiMVoB1CLfPWRfHdBGTl-v9jnEshqvvmAXx8wYZYymdTiVYNt0Uh6STDPGM~OEbwit0Ya7jmgmB2OdOLz92Rbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jonathan Cook, director of Parks and Recreation, presented final bidding results and a recommended contract award Tuesday for the Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park project, a roughly 30‑acre inclusive, regional park the city plans in south Waco.

Cook told the council the project team received multiple competitive bids and is recommending a construction contract award to Millis Development and Construction in the amount of $16,500,000. Staff said the city had previously allocated $25,300,000 for design and construction of the park; that allocation covers professional services, construction, a contingency and other line items.

Why it matters: The Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park is the city’s single largest parks investment in recent memory and is intended as an all‑abilities regional destination with an inclusive playground, trails, community plaza, pavilion, a pedestrian bridge connecting to the former Floyd Casey stadium site and alternates such as sports courts, an all‑wheels area and a great‑lawn event space.

Project scope, budget and schedule
Cook explained the recommended award includes the base bid plus selected alternates for amenities; alternates not included in the recommended package (notably two alternates for track and field upgrades) will be funded from a separate track scope reserve. Staff said a $2,200,000 track scope reserve remains available specifically for the track and field complex so that the city can optimize improvements there without delaying the larger park construction.

Other budget items noted by staff include professional services prior to construction, a 6% contingency on the construction contract and a plan for the city to directly procure playground equipment to realize procurement savings (staff did not provide a firm, finalized dollar amount for that playground procurement reduction at the work session).

Cook said the project team aims to mobilize within four to six weeks and estimated a construction duration of roughly 15 months. The project design includes extensive stakeholder input; Cook said staff met with neighborhood groups and mobility advocates to refine accessibility, circulation and inclusive‑play elements.

Bid selection and procurement
Cook described the city’s scoring and interview process that weighted price, schedule and contractor experience. He said the recommended bidder, Millis Development and Construction, has relevant public‑realm experience in North Texas and submitted a proposal consistent with the project cost estimates prepared by the city’s consultants and project manager.

Next steps and council action
Staff presented agenda items (5‑76 through 5‑78) related to the park and indicated they will proceed with contractor mobilization and announce a groundbreaking once council acts on the contract award. No formal contract award occurred during the Aug. 19 work session; the recommended award will be before council for formal consideration on the evening agenda.

Ending
Council members praised the project as a generational investment and stressed that staff continue outreach to stakeholder groups as construction planning proceeds.","City staff recommended awarding construction for the Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park to Millis Development and Construction for $16.5 million and outlined remaining budget, alternates and a $2.2 million reserve for track work; council will consider the contract on the evening agenda and no formal award occurred at the work session.",{"_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},6504499,"Waco officials highlight behavioral-health collaboration; request continued funding as crisis metrics improve",1095,2282000,3377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1&start=2282&end=3377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1/thumbnail_2282000.jpg","/articles/6504499/Waco/McLennan-County/Texas/Waco-officials-highlight-behavioral-health-collaboration-request-continued-funding-as-crisis-metrics-improve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504499-e32fcde124bbf7baa1d20b15d1beb25e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163633&Signature=jPBLasPRBRqx35YiVYiJWo4iEtNpzDyiOoCdXeBlJSQeakTKtwi-BKPE60VfOqzsVOc0eJgF66A-c7cQxPWWj-Zz0ET-7YN~M1N4byaIGvAhYsO1WS-z7NNzgyYlYl-cRnyBefsvRfxBrnbtBZvxD~mZdB7nnkq595E4H3PbPjGoaQ5rVrVNoKXlUPcZRuseDuCZa4ps~Py-AlfizM2LD-uDWG5GkU678FmYKctOotQVamWpbmmUN7WBKDQ2ACgF7ryaXRp03w3YaeiJaHfTHPjsL2MJQq~vEimettR~RiuuntZQwa0VDrhekFnc-MCVVQc9Nf84co5fQBVrVVLgEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Manager Ryan Holt and Jessica Addis, CEO of Prosper Waco, told the Waco City Council Tuesday that the city’s multi‑agency behavioral‑health work is reducing crisis response burdens on police and improving access to care, and they requested continued local funding to sustain the effort.

Holt and Addis said the city invests in several programs: a three‑year Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT) agreement (year one was $200,000), a $3 million ARPA contribution to the crisis center that opened in May 2024, funding for reintegration coordination and medical‑clearance capacity, and ongoing support for the Behavioral Health Network.

Why it matters: City and nonprofit leaders said coordinated investment and data sharing are cutting police time on emergency‑detention cases and diverting many calls to behavioral‑health responses, freeing officers for other duties and reducing costs for taxpayers.

Reported outcomes and metrics
Holt presented trend data showing high points around 2019–2021, when suicide‑in‑progress calls and emergency detention orders peaked and officer hours spent on those calls rose sharply. He said the average length of those calls fell from 11.52 hours (peak years) to about 3.5 hours in 2024 and that the total officer hours devoted to emergency‑detention responses dropped from a multi‑thousand‑hour peak.

Holt described several program-specific investments and impacts (figures given to council):
- BHLT first‑year local support: $200,000 (first year of a three‑year funding plan).
- ARPA investment for crisis center: $3,000,000; crisis center opened May 2024.
- Reintegration roundtable: historically about $65,000 per year.
- Medical‑clearance capacity tied to the crisis center: $80,000 per year.
- Emergency‑detention transport costs (previous tracking): roughly $117,000 annual average.
- Early diversion work: the police department’s dispatch‑diversion program, started Feb. 2024, has diverted over 1,000 calls; about half of diverted calls required some police follow-up but many did not require a full police response.

Prosper Waco work and new state dollars
Jessica Addis described BHLT as a cross‑sector, data‑driven coalition that has convened steering and action teams, established data‑sharing agreements, and helped secure new state funding. She said aligned advocacy helped obtain a $5,000,000 state appropriation; Prosper Waco will coordinate with state officials (HHSC) and local partners to allocate those dollars to priorities identified in a behavioral‑needs assessment.

City leaders and council members praised the partnerships and noted the work reduces officer time in emergency rooms and long transports, improves medical clearance at diversion sites and supports jail‑discharge care coordination.

Next steps
Council will consider a second‑year funding item for the BHLT on the evening agenda. No formal appropriation was adopted during the Aug. 19 work session; staff said they will return with requests and more granular allocation plans tied to the behavioral‑needs assessment and the incoming state appropriation.

Ending
Council members commended the cross‑sector approach and said the early metrics justify continued investment in coordinated behavioral‑health services.","City staff and Prosper Waco reviewed outcomes from multi‑agency behavioral‑health initiatives, said emergency‑detention response times and officer hours have fallen, and asked council to consider continued local funding while coordinating new state appropriations.",{"_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},6504502,"Waco staff outline proposed FY26 budget, warn homeowners will see higher bills despite flat tax rate",735,1345000,2080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1&start=1345&end=2080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607372-9390204b50822a09e1b15d371ec3d7c1/thumbnail_1345000.jpg","/articles/6504502/Waco/McLennan-County/Texas/Waco-staff-outline-proposed-FY26-budget-warn-homeowners-will-see-higher-bills-despite-flat-tax-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504502-f5012164975b7ebe38304b404fa9d841/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163633&Signature=YMwUdFzaRVnEoj7wOwEHqWfuEW9UdCSbi-LTyo4oSJKayn8aXdALIsd5t9F4x5BVezlwYIgOnbe59P9~6xGtr2TemY0cOpASOuzVXdv-V2u40zSHTUoWtmWeHTQWKxdWZe8iccJDZZQ1SsK7vICyE6gu~dhCfsnuTF3nCS1aiSW8fXZYgBcIE9h83k2oVBjoc~T3ID4o-OnKsw82SefoaFKjVOYZugj5FFl0fqqPGORYHFvMJQYL9sKTwJrytF4IJRd0e-qp4O5lXyP0JCBxkCXkJCqjq4vzGLKNFaXEJwMcPpUD-sXKWHjrvSqP0R1BKVtIjpbdVC173QjYZitg0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Ford and Chief Financial Officer Luke Costlik presented the city manager’s recommended fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and capital improvement plan to the Waco City Council during a work session Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The presentation summarized a citywide budget of roughly $652 million and a general fund of about $210.3 million, with staff reporting “no change to your revenues and your expenses as a whole,” Costlik said. The proposal keeps the city’s tax rate flat at 75.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, but officials cautioned that rising property appraisals will raise the average homeowner’s bill.

Why it matters: The presentation showed how the city would allocate taxpayer dollars and highlighted that public safety and debt service consume most of the average homeowner’s payment. Council members pressed staff for clarity about trade-offs and service-level changes as the city balances a largely flat budget with rising costs.

Cost and tax impacts
City staff explained that the citywide budget totals roughly $652 million, while the general fund totals $210.3 million. Costlik told the council the average Waco homeowner’s annual city payment would be about $3,212.51 — up $134.20 from the prior year, a 4.4% increase in annual homeowner cost. Staff attributed the increase to property appraisal growth rather than an increase in the municipal tax rate: \"Even though we are keeping a flat tax rate at 75 and a half cents ... because of the appraisal increases ... that is gonna be a tax increase to the average home of $62.08 for the year,\" Costlik said.

Staff also displayed a breakdown of the average taxpayer’s bill, showing about 41% going to police and fire and roughly 23% going to debt service tied to capital projects. Costlik and City Manager Ford emphasized that transfers out of the general fund primarily finance longer-term capital projects and that much of the city’s borrowing is intended to spread costs of infrastructure over its useful life.

Efficiency measures and service-level changes
Costlik and department leaders described ongoing efficiency efforts to balance the budget, including a multi-year push that began in fiscal year 2025. The city is seeking roughly $32 million in cumulative reductions through position management, scheduling adjustments and other operational changes.

Examples cited by staff include:
- Parks and Recreation: a $1.2 million reduction achieved through multiple operational changes, including reduced community center hours where patron use was low.
- Libraries: a systemwide reduction from approximately 217 open hours to 210, described by staff as a data-driven cut intended to maintain core service while saving costs.

City leaders framed these as targeted, data-driven adjustments rather than across-the-board closures. \"They took a very data driven approach ... saw where patrons were actually coming to the community centers and saying, okay, instead of staying open until 9PM, there is nobody checking in at 9PM,\" the city manager said.

Next steps and schedule
City staff said the budget process will continue with a public hearing and first reading of the tax-rate ordinance at the Sept. 2 council meeting, followed by a second reading and statutory adoption step at a special meeting on Sept. 9. Council members thanked staff for the presentation and asked for continued clarity as the budget moves to the hearing and adoption steps.

Context and caveats
Council members repeatedly framed the budget decisions around priorities for public safety and long-term infrastructure. Staff emphasized that much of the city’s debt service reflects multigenerational capital projects. No final budget or tax-rate votes were taken at the work session; the item remains before council for formal hearings and possible adoption in September.

Ending
City staff requested feedback and indicated they would return with public hearings and formal vote items in early September.","City staff presented the city manager’s recommended fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budgets, projecting a largely level overall budget while showing higher average homeowner costs driven by rising property appraisals and planned capital transfers; council is scheduled to hear the tax-rate public hearings in September.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Final PUD for Hilltop Addition advances to council after staff says plan meets requirements

Waco recommends $16.5 million construction award for Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park; full project budget remains $25.3 million

Waco officials highlight behavioral-health collaboration; request continued funding as crisis metrics improve

Waco staff outline proposed FY26 budget, warn homeowners will see higher bills despite flat tax rate