The City Council of Keene, Texas, convened a special meeting on September 25, 2025, to address several key community matters, including the upcoming National Night Out and the adoption of the city's tax rate for the 2025 fiscal year.

The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a tone of unity and community service. Mayor Paul highlighted the importance of the National Night Out event scheduled for October 7, from 6 PM to 8 PM at City Hall. This annual event aims to foster community relationships and enhance public safety awareness.

In addition to the National Night Out announcement, the council acknowledged the recent visit from Marshallese dignitaries, which was marked by the display of their flags around the city. The mayor noted the collaborative efforts between local chambers of commerce to celebrate Marshallese culture, including a canoe carving event at the duck pond, scheduled for the following morning.

The primary focus of the meeting was the discussion and action on an ordinance to levy taxes and adopt the city's tax rate for 2025. The proposed rate is set at 0.828978 per $100 of assessed value on all taxable property within Keene. This decision is crucial as it directly impacts the city's budget and funding for essential services.

The council did not receive any public comments or reports during the meeting, indicating a lack of immediate public concern regarding the discussed topics. However, the decisions made during this meeting will have lasting implications for community engagement and financial planning in Keene.

As the council moves forward, the adoption of the tax rate will be a significant step in shaping the city's financial landscape for the upcoming year, while the National Night Out and cultural celebrations reflect Keene's commitment to community cohesion and inclusivity.