[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6474328,"mediaKeyId","5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd","parentId",5742142,"title","Cleburne council adopts FY2026 budget, sets tax rate at $0.612548 per $100 and ratifies revenue increase","audioSeconds",1233,"startMs",2577000,"endMs",3810000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd&start=2577&end=3810","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd/thumbnail_2577000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474328/Texas/Cleburne-council-adopts-FY2026-budget-sets-tax-rate-at-0612548-per-100-and-ratifies-revenue-increase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474328-8b213f0b574b4df35a6d1fc0bdc46917/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508787&Signature=SAlf1zSZujMH7XzHItiEH5AmPf4zEwu0kvBJYcxCbqQe-LJVivNxDXk7buFHCYHKDwcScALmkIJIi6hzJX9BDVPXfRVYPsKy~bbmmUKRdVSBhAfCCqgd1ABl7V9k6lAMDxLhl0EMlwBjQ~UMz-Qvy2f3KkYPq-VXipBJtvLe2YBfCQik~HDW3L~ayKz54NBntxWS92e-5t2NMInTZvNTmzbtE5IlKN48svHeMY6Z0tA1QrUq~Yjy6-gDRTTh63gYA1rDEHd6nQARGsHIPlKB6YJLjIJl-4vyODtMfCXL1pe1oHMCnWY8WlTWT4XM4EhyxWyWkdxJyDCRfveoeKJcgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cleburne","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","The City of Cleburne City Council on Tuesday adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, voted to set the 2025 ad valorem tax rate at 0.612548 per $100 of assessed value and ratified the property‑tax revenue increase required by state law. Each action passed unanimously following required public hearings and a citizen comment.

During a public hearing on the proposed tax rate, resident Kim Jones urged the council to limit tax increases and encouraged wider civic engagement, saying it is “the hardest thing ever—balancing the needs of the community and the finances that it takes to do it.” Mayor Scott Kane thanked her and described the long‑running structural issues underlying property tax levels, saying, “it is a shame that in the great state of Texas we have to rent from our government,” and noting the city’s portion of an average property tax bill is roughly 23 to 24 percent.

City staff presented the proposed budget and tax rate. The proposed tax rate the council adopted is 0.612548 per $100 of assessed value; staff and the mayor used the state‑required wording and calculations during the motion to set the rate. Staff said the proposed rate represents an increase over the no‑new‑revenue rate and thus required the public hearing and statutory language.

Key points in the FY2026 budget presentation: citywide revenues are projected to increase by about $6.2 million compared with FY2025, mostly from sales tax growth, property‑tax revenue and charges for service; the budget includes approximately $5.1 million for maintenance projects (street and waterline maintenance) and $2.2 million in supplemental general‑fund requests including aesthetic and safety enhancements at Don Moore Field and acquisition of a pothole truck. The budget incorporates the implementation of a compensation and classification study, a 1 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for staff, and funding for 12 new full‑time positions, two new part‑time positions and two regraded positions. Staff estimated the average homeowner (median home value cited as $186,000) would pay an additional $4.83 per month under the adopted package, per the presentation.

Staff also discussed increases in health insurance premiums (approximately $1.1 million) and rising retirement contribution costs (TMRS and firefighter relief fund contributions cited in staff presentation as increasing to roughly 19.09% and 25.09%, respectively, producing about $450,000 in additional retirement costs). Council members discussed employee compensation and the ongoing classification study; Councilman John Warren requested the study’s outcome and further consideration of midyear adjustments if necessary.

The formal votes: Councilman Derek Weathers moved to approve the FY2026 budget (item 9.2); Blake Jones seconded; the council then took a roll‑call vote and approved the budget unanimously. Council then set the tax rate at 0.612548 per $100 (item 9.3) using the statutorily required language and a separate recorded vote; the motion and second carried unanimously. Finally, the council ratified the property‑tax revenue increase required by state law (item 9.4); that motion also passed unanimously.

Authorities and legal context: staff said the public hearing and separate vote on the tax rate were required under Chapter 26 of the Texas Tax Code because the proposed rate exceeds the no‑new‑revenue rate. Staff noted the council had earlier adopted a resolution of intent in August to set a rate not to exceed 0.612548 and that required notices were published in the Cleburne Times‑Review.

Clarifying details: proposed tax rate adopted 0.612548 per $100 valuation; staff estimated an average monthly impact to an $186,000 home of about $4.83; budget includes funding for infrastructure maintenance and classified compensation adjustments; the budget and tax votes were taken separately in compliance with state law. All votes were recorded and unanimous.

Votes and motions (summary): 9.2 Adopt FY2026 budget — motion by Derek Weathers, second by Blake Jones; roll‑call: Weathers — yes; Jones — yes; Cosby — yes; Warren — yes; Mayor Kane — yes; outcome: approved. 9.3 Set 2025 ad valorem tax rate at 0.612548 per $100 — motion in required state language (resulting effective increase described in the motion as 5.35% per the required calculation); second by John Warren; roll call unanimous. 9.4 Ratify property‑tax revenue increase — motion by Derek Weathers; second by John Warren; roll call unanimous.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cleburne - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","After a public hearing and citizen comment, the City of Cleburne adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget, set the 2025 ad valorem tax rate at 0.612548 per $100 valuation and ratified the required revenue increase; all votes were unanimous.","taxTitle","Cleburne City , Johnson County, Texas","taxId",54073,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474332,"Cleburne OKs up to $2.9M job order contract to convert Main Street bank into municipal services building",289,2261000,2550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd&start=2261&end=2550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd/thumbnail_2261000.jpg","/articles/6474332/Texas/Cleburne-OKs-up-to-29M-job-order-contract-to-convert-Main-Street-bank-into-municipal-services-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474332-6ca5955662b091274752299f30289be5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508787&Signature=f4eO6~-0EZ0y2eT~fuaXn3FYuXp~1OOo9MVPiGLStrJjkB-lquNIO7Myjnz6a3SGArR7P7X547BxkUr6r5~F85-pF0q66JqMPcK162GlJ-OtzjZghfZnUDzdCU8SE5GrrRGUjzKVUMx2P66dYudiuq7Ff5s-9bo0SILVIPaVJNqQW6GLbUDouhnI0XNQ1l52LtB~3AZgeLC6XpYcjbk1HTcfSz1QzIcAjiG6R2spdKkXyNPF2NjTzsLiUG-ALIoi6bz~t8hHqaCrrkTiv0qOFWtJxGTYDPC6H3SDb226-RbtiFodiheewOqP5epmtQbl6w1kVR6jgYYnOXL0WV0OtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council unanimously approved a job order contract (JOC) with BStrong Commercial LLC not to exceed $2,900,000 to renovate a former bank building on Main Street into a municipal services building intended to centralize customer‑facing and administrative functions.

City staff described the project as a full interior remodel to provide lobby and reception areas, office and cubicle space, inspector work areas, conference rooms, IT infrastructure, a shared break room and updated mechanical, electrical and life‑safety systems. Staff said asbestos abatement and installation of a fire suppression (sprinkler) system are among significant items required prior to occupancy. The council was told the building’s exterior and structure are viable and that the work is essentially a substantial tenant finish.

Staff recommended a job order contracting approach using the Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) contract number 24100 (referred to in the presentation as 24100), which staff said combines expedited delivery, pre‑established pricing, and flexibility to issue task orders by phase. The city has used BStrong Commercial previously on various facilities, staff said, and recommended a master agreement to proceed under a JOC model. Funding was cited as available from Certificates of Obligation Series 2025.

Councilman Derek Weathers moved to approve item 8.4 as presented; Blake Jones seconded. The council voted unanimously to approve the contract and budget authorization.

Staff said the contract allows phased work orders, which the city expects will speed up delivery compared with a conventional design‑bid process. Major upcoming tasks include asbestos abatement, sprinkler installation, HVAC upgrades, interior demolition and finishes, and procurement of furniture and fixtures prior to occupancy.

Clarifying details: job order contract model used under Interlocal Purchasing System contract 24100; recommended contractor BStrong Commercial LLC; not‑to‑exceed budget $2,900,000; funding from certificates of obligation (Series 2025).","Council authorized a job order contract with BStrong Commercial LLC up to $2.9 million to renovate the former bank on Main Street into a municipal services building, using an Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) contract to accelerate delivery and phase work.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474337,"Cleburne approves $4.347 million wastewater plant rehab contract after single bid",191,2064000,2255000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd&start=2064&end=2255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd/thumbnail_2064000.jpg","/articles/6474337/Texas/Cleburne-approves-4347-million-wastewater-plant-rehab-contract-after-single-bid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474337-66731226855597c862798644356ecbec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508787&Signature=WohQOHRoYSALMjNY85U~PG1TOThHoJnu1tnp8hHcVpkEZ6Zb3ZTTVbthIMQQ2EOEUzdx0WTZbALKGwmyHyUhsELrDmsfVn3sDTXvtsqWjPX-bLrTTeCnnFPWGw9VqbgYBxI5f8sz46c1vv0S92FkJbwiysm4ydSqjQXUYFFSviccPM~yEGIwLgSyE0qQwef3rsy0UxVP1DIGCZHdGQHF4CcxsdGTYCbSvuSUBZtoKGvr7y5BmfrYSbFAva58KBrvV~1mhXe~q--Aokio3Kcs-zlxyJqyl4hbdcIre7js1-IOvfEv0zQlmaa4CGhgDLCoWoqlFx5afDkXU0lvbdaYEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council unanimously approved a contract to rehabilitate critical components of the Cleburne Wastewater Treatment Plant, awarding Package A1 to CLW Water Group LLC with a total project cost reported in the meeting as $4,347,000.

Staff said the work addresses two high‑priority items identified in a 2024 plant criticality assessment: rehabilitation of Aeration Basin No. 2 and Final Clarifier No. 2. The package includes replacement of the clarifier drive mechanism, spray system and bridge, upgrades to electrical controls, replacement of the aeration grid and diffusers, and associated yard piping and valves.

The project was publicly bid in June and, per staff, received a single bid. City staff and the consultant reviewed that bid and recommended the award to CLW Water Group LLC as reasonable and acceptable. Construction was estimated at 420 days (about 14 months). Funding is available from the City of Cleburne’s combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation, Series 2024, staff said.

Councilman John Warren moved to approve item 8.3; Councilman Oliver Cosby seconded. The council voted unanimously to approve the contract and authorized the city manager to execute the documents.

Staff noted the single‑bid outcome may reflect market dynamics: the project is large for small contractors but not large enough to attract some larger firms. The consultant verified the bid and recommended proceeding. City staff will monitor construction closely and manage change orders under standard contract provisions.

Clarifying details: the project scope targets long‑running equipment at the existing plant, which staff said has been continuously in service for decades; the consultant verified the single bid as reasonable; construction is expected to take 420 days.

Votes and motion: Motion by John Warren to approve 8.3 as presented; second by Oliver Cosby; vote: John Warren — yes; Oliver Cosby — yes; Derek Weathers — yes; Blake Jones — yes; Scott Kane — yes; outcome: approved unanimously.","The council awarded the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Package A1 contract to CLW Water Group LLC to rebuild aeration and clarifier equipment; staff said only one firm bid and construction is estimated at 420 days.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474341,"Cleburne awards annual water and sewer renewal contract; presentation shows differing contract figures",207,1813000,2020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd&start=1813&end=2020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd/thumbnail_1813000.jpg","/articles/6474341/Texas/Cleburne-awards-annual-water-and-sewer-renewal-contract-presentation-shows-differing-contract-figures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474341-620c1a0cf37c837054201642243c6393/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508787&Signature=JsK3cJCJuZC7TM1FHKVqgfPnR1kkOlpb-~DrAnCdx~pUJidWSvPl8PbRRtXaJet8D6r72cP6hK2mrQ9P9XGCRAeKmOMXgcZWCWdNFHNjJiCK32Jv74SMbMOMOhPpofuwzLsrjUZ5f2VYvlbXwjQNGVXCyU1UNGkP5h0z~EVQF5O5U~JLfEP53VE0T7jMI~qAB7x8TgJOFXH0NG2H9Ek9ZYjpJGyW4cDpGTDOd1Iaz1Kn9vQz7AQP3jCdHfRUpQNNsG9DD~qG2XW7PiGb-IwSXgumQj40aNBZ5YI-Ekh0GnH605yVhmkFeLB25eKGrKoXEz9Ruv5MVxwrl~4E8c585w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Cleburne City Council unanimously approved a contract for the 2025 annual water and sanitary sewer renewal project, awarding the work to SYB Construction Co. after staff presented the scope and bid evaluation.

City staff said the project addresses two locations — East Wilson Street and North Field Street — and will replace aging distribution and collection lines. Staff described roughly 1,700 linear feet of new 8‑inch PVC waterline to replace older, smaller‑diameter cast iron pipe, and about 1,400 linear feet of new 8‑inch PVC sewer line to replace older clay or VCP sewer pipes. The contract time is 271 days, staff said, and funding for construction is available from the City of Cleburne’s 2024 certificates of obligation.

Bids were opened in July and staff said five firms submitted bids; SYB Construction Co. was judged the best value based on the published criteria and reference checks. The agenda packet listed a contract figure of $1,073,887 and a total project budget of $1,149,000; during the presentation staff later stated a total that included an added alternate of $1,738,870 and referenced contingency funds (the transcript contains inconsistent numeric statements during the presentation). Council approved the contract as presented.

A council motion to approve 8.2 was made by Blake Jones and seconded by Derek Weathers; the vote was unanimous.

Staff emphasized the project is part of ongoing reinvestment in the city's century‑old utility network and that the work will require associated pavement repairs where lines run under streets. The contract includes an alternate for temporary asphalt paving to reduce community impacts during construction and staff indicated contingency authority for change orders if needed.

Clarifying details from staff: approximately 1,700 linear feet of replacement 8‑inch waterline; approximately 1,400 linear feet of replacement 8‑inch sewer line; construction period estimated at 271 days; funding listed from Certificates of Obligation Series 2024. The presentation noted five bids were received and reference checks were conducted.

Votes and motion: Motion by Blake Jones to approve item 8.2 as presented; second by Derek Weathers; vote: Blake Jones — yes; Derek Weathers — yes; Oliver Cosby — yes; John Warren — yes; Scott Kane — yes; outcome: approved unanimously.","The City Council awarded the 2025 annual water and sanitary sewer renewal contract to SYB Construction Co. for work on East Wilson and North Field streets; staff described scope and funding but the transcript includes inconsistent contract figures between the agenda and the presentation.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6474346,"Cleburne council approves replat and right‑of‑way variance for two Avondale lots",563,1157000,1720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd&start=1157&end=1720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742142-38262723e8b03af048c720298eda20dd/thumbnail_1157000.jpg","/articles/6474346/Texas/Cleburne-council-approves-replat-and-rightofway-variance-for-two-Avondale-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474346-e07b34f2501ccc3080a114285995970e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508787&Signature=AleCMVntsFQ0w-A29o3d~9HKbVpPI-oT9Y~lJ~WYcwY3d7zxu3klXSk6iHuVxff5i2OehpxhZv45SnIj~CW~deEkoMuJpkN13OnbWlWFuHQZN2DE~zIRoLrzOYSBop-RO22VpTz~PZn~IOW11bw~jW-QB5UOPs~Eccasly5NaQpdV7SVhHL8ySfNGH~oXi-hKaoCk9toctWYRhr779xqdQqrOamTJu8ehOeAGaKM1WXhH5ZUPmN35byQzhYdFVoCi44YGHLpJcDq4TLzp7as5zzEjTjpitjH5OhXHFiVWVHFdwZejfA-T3kOLd1OMQKVQKxSTnTRe~t8d9H8Mp-7mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Cleburne City Council on Tuesday approved a replat and a variance to the right‑of‑way dedication requirement for two lots in the Avondale addition, allowing the creation of two legal lots at 1404 Granbury Street and 516 Marengo Street and clearing the way for future building permits.

The action reverses a 5–1 recommendation for denial from the Planning & Zoning Commission, which had relied on the city's Master Thoroughfare Plan and the subdivision ordinance requiring dedication of sufficient right of way. City staff said Lot 1R at 1404 Granbury currently contains an existing home and is zoned SF‑7; Lot 2R at 516 Marengo is vacant and zoned duplex. Mayor Scott Kane opened the public hearing and staff said the replat would legalize the two lots so the applicant could obtain building permits.

City staff explained that Granbury Street is classified in the Master Thoroughfare Plan as a minor collector and the plan calls for a 75‑foot right of way, which would normally require the applicant to dedicate 12.5 feet along Granbury. Staff said existing homes along the corridor are built close to the street, and requiring dedication would force encroachments into existing structures, making dedication “somewhat impractical.” The staff presentation listed dimensional standards the lots must meet: for the SF‑7 lot, a 7,000‑square‑foot minimum and 60‑foot width (an 87‑foot minimum depth was previously approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment); the duplex lot requires a 75‑foot width and 100‑foot depth.

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial under Subdivision Ordinance 154.08 to preserve right of way for possible future expansion along Granbury. The applicant and supporters said they do not expect the city to obtain the full 75‑foot right of way without removing multiple homes. Jennifer Braswell, listed as the petitioner, was present in support; other supporters filed cards but did not speak.

Councilman Derek Weathers moved to approve the replat and variance “as presented.” Councilman John Warren seconded. The council voted unanimously in favor; the mayor declared the motion approved.

Council members and staff noted the variance affects the parkway area (landscaping, sidewalks and buffers) more than the travel lanes and that the approval leaves approximately six feet in the parkway area for future pedestrian facilities, per staff analysis. The council did not attach additional conditions beyond the staff recommendation. The applicant may proceed with recording the replat to enable permitting.

Clarifying details from the hearing: the subject property totals about 0.5 acres; Lot 1R fronts Granbury and contains an existing house that partially straddles original parcel lines; Lot 2R fronts Marengo and is currently vacant; Granbury is designated a minor collector in the city's 2022 Master Thoroughfare Plan; Planning & Zoning reviewed the case on Aug. 25 and voted 5–1 to recommend denial.

Votes at the meeting: motion by Councilman Derek Weathers to approve 8.1 as presented; second by Councilman Oliver Cosby; vote: Councilman Derek Weathers — yes; Blake Jones, Mayor Pro Tem — yes; Oliver Cosby — yes; John Warren — yes; Mayor Scott Kane — yes; outcome: approved unanimously.","After a 5–1 Planning & Zoning denial, the City Council unanimously approved a replat and variance to create two legal lots at 1404 Granbury Street and 516 Marengo Street, allowing future permitting despite a Master Thoroughfare Plan requirement for wider right‑of‑way on Granbury.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cleburne council adopts FY2026 budget, sets tax rate at $0.612548 per $100 and ratifies revenue increase

Cleburne OKs up to $2.9M job order contract to convert Main Street bank into municipal services building

Cleburne approves $4.347 million wastewater plant rehab contract after single bid

Cleburne awards annual water and sewer renewal contract; presentation shows differing contract figures

Cleburne council approves replat and right‑of‑way variance for two Avondale lots