[{"_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",6000884,"mediaKeyId","5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296","parentId",5842263,"title","Council convenes closed session on city manager personnel; reconvenes with no action","audioSeconds",5104,"startMs",5663000,"endMs",10767000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296&start=5663&end=10767","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296/thumbnail_5663000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6000884/Hewitt/McLennan-County/Texas/Council-convenes-closed-session-on-city-manager-personnel-reconvenes-with-no-action","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6000884-be93e6bda43e609c33d51b29ade42eeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069553&Signature=D~qJxXUoG8D~ID6fp5yxdSw-ygZZAncFZFN2U9hE7ifC8hhjr-1DDNuAvGVpN3AhSMWJnBCa7X0RWYa5WdlwzeApFfo0cbXWZsWiD-2Yxnnac5PFy7-PjR7qrJyTu4zKgziBbiUAUjtgE8dSzBeR01puueVvIxPLaHF684L7ZAQGYkdwhgZ5aTHPb~QKQd8F6Uca9vkAl0ANH~KlRPjYzQ8UcSWaO7tD1keYZNF9Z3U5kiFG6b2HfX5zkUK9rkZyltBKP6fpuLRKuOcXshKxN0BGRlJNp1RX3s~SuHMccui59dUWkFENZYPoqyoDU9faAhTEnrDXYnWWZOCvtfAdZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hewitt, TX","date","2025-08-19T14:34:41Z","article","Hewitt — The Hewitt City Council recessed its regular session on Aug. 18 to convene an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the city manager.

The mayor cited Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel matters) as the legal basis for the closed meeting. The council recessed the regular session at about 7:29 p.m., reconvened at about 8:54 p.m., and the mayor announced that no action was taken on the subject matter discussed in executive session.

Ending: The council adjourned the regular session at 8:54 p.m.; no public action followed the executive-session discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting ~ August 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council recessed into executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the city manager and reconvened later in the evening, reporting no action taken.","taxTitle","Hewitt, McLennan County, Texas","taxId",69562,"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},6000889,"Council approves $66,809 purchase and upfitting for replacement unmarked police truck",257,4151000,4408000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296&start=4151&end=4408","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296/thumbnail_4151000.jpg","/articles/6000889/Hewitt/McLennan-County/Texas/Council-approves-66809-purchase-and-upfitting-for-replacement-unmarked-police-truck","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6000889-7e8f34657dd1a60f8979c5ba21530e6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069553&Signature=Lb2ncF0xj5n9C-ZZvyHg8H0jErG2r2PswzzvVCdTt1pPEvXb1ZKjAJHP~3Z2kX3DEhD6pFzihnVUYDBcxBteO5NaB~bxmdiFAGRP3kvYHrrghPNt-JfcbgjH-t~9kApariGULtGNW1VhC~j4TfEyyqTY-jvVLChH4cV0bAKosLLrADxLyvwp~qMdZ464eioFKr4UFnxm07wgzcVoKxsA-3R5-rOWTLuPtEhYPLjoi8vGjo0Hsm6KgokdTj6RBnANt5IGgc80UdjVLnnvm7O2RCTtrPAxKzWGfa1Xa3WA6dvk4v0UrSH1Fx0nEUq9LMfEGXHLD73QjH~Y5crXELw29g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hewitt — The Hewitt City Council voted Aug. 18 to approve the purchase and upfitting of a 2025 Ford F‑150 as a replacement unmarked police vehicle at a total cost of $66,809.

Mr. Thomas, a staff member, told the council that on June 23 an unmarked department pickup was rendered a total loss after a crash, and the city’s insurance proceeds totaled $31,395. Staff recommended purchasing the replacement vehicle through a state contract and using Dana Safety Supply to install emergency equipment.

The motion to approve the expenditure was made and seconded during the meeting and carried unanimously. The ordinance authorizes purchasing the vehicle and using the insurance proceeds to offset part of the cost; staff said any further recovery efforts would be handled through the insurance carrier’s subrogation process.

Ending: Council required no additional follow-up beyond procurement through state contract and equipment upfitting.","Following an accident that totaled an unmarked police F‑150, the council approved purchasing and upfitting a replacement vehicle at a net cost offset by insurance proceeds.",{"_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},6000894,"Council briefed on Atmos Energy Mid‑Tex settlement; staff says average residential bill would rise about $7.83",573,1783000,2356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296&start=1783&end=2356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296/thumbnail_1783000.jpg","/articles/6000894/Hewitt/McLennan-County/Texas/Council-briefed-on-Atmos-Energy-MidTex-settlement-staff-says-average-residential-bill-would-rise-about-783","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6000894-ca7cc6deac335c090ff79544d3f37d69/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069553&Signature=ArirG6aDfb6FXOeBvC2YlsfWZXmPxIkyIlnto8efU7CwxHm5ppvKwTOiYW6KqKlJ-7qow5fLN8c-9eI-VGXsOfxqQVV6FdOCGFB443eMC~ZE6u8jmvZho4~3LqkmiU2KgRQJpjmLgUdOvz2AKDUZ1ITQu5T8hCa8ptm51FOH-QVu3X0~tnSq4TirjZbPMTzUBcYheovY~h2GLIbzA61VpW4U2EgUrAyvSHJjzD7xrW4qgP9QLjTc96EEEiGyCIEktFxRR1huYSDWZqe2gE3x7loPuKRrREd5iO4hjSaX17ogZ75a69GHHhmKL~4NYpbPSFhdFjMWydzh-pWqGBWWWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hewitt — City staff briefed the Hewitt City Council on Aug. 18 about a negotiated settlement in Atmos Energy Corporation’s Mid‑Tex Division rate-review mechanism that would increase average residential gas bills by roughly $7.83 per month, or about 9.27%.

A staff member said that Atmos initially requested systemwide additional revenues of roughly $245.2 million based on a 2024 test year; the company’s request was reduced during negotiations and the portion applicable to the Mid‑Tex cities steering committee was stated in the briefing. Staff said the settlement would spread the approved increase across the 181 Mid‑Tex cities that participate in the steering committee and asked that the council consider adopting a supporting resolution before Oct. 1 if the city wishes to cede jurisdiction to the committee’s negotiated terms.

Why it matters: a negotiated settlement in the Rate Review Mechanism (RRM) process can reduce litigation costs at the Public Utility Commission of Texas but still alters monthly bills for residential and commercial customers. Staff presented estimated per-customer impacts — about $7.83 monthly for average residential usage and about $25.73 for the average commercial customer — and offered to return with additional detail prior to any council vote.

Discussion and context: the briefing explained that Hewitt participates in two rate-making organizations (the Atmos cities steering committee and an “Encore” group). Unlike some cities that cede jurisdiction, Hewitt historically has not permanently ceded jurisdiction in Atmos RRM matters, so settlements negotiated by the steering committee typically come back to the council for action unless the city has ceded authority. The packet included modeling details and comparative city data.

Decision/direction: no formal action was taken at the meeting. Staff indicated they could provide further information to the council ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline and asked whether council had questions; a councilmember asked whether action was required before Sept. 15.

Ending: Staff will provide additional information if council requests it; no binding approval was sought or given at the Aug. 18 meeting.","Staff summarized a negotiated settlement in the Atmos Energy Mid‑Tex Division rate-review mechanism that would increase average residential bills by about $7.83 per month (9.27%). Council was briefed; no formal action was taken at the meeting.",{"_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},6000899,"Hewitt council adopts 2025–26 budget, keeps property tax rate at 0.539082",4891,328000,5219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296&start=328&end=5219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842263-cbed7fa502137d26a9c6c6a5805b6296/thumbnail_328000.jpg","/articles/6000899/Hewitt/McLennan-County/Texas/Hewitt-council-adopts-202526-budget-keeps-property-tax-rate-at-0539082","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6000899-d9863e43e40cf5d68457ca40abf5edfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069553&Signature=f4lZ7GcyGQ35ad1c~BnEZELYHlSdvcESYfijtCUf1r-ZFJBaN2HnmPE7YfV1rCA~-W--QJ4CvdTjse1WmzKHzhD5S-jABd9rSHIDmZFYcYBfGuWqB5GmxhJ6PkLfL-zCkZ3tRZ6E3IB70WmeTEU2UausLlygU5js88mdtkA1HsUpRZ9XgHzkBh3m-csxobAnt82WqX6BClaQwJQRf-OjzGtJuaEgibwD7lEdpduFG3OUu~xVga9Pp4ptPKREtklOd-VtiVJ4vmi4BMYGZ8R92OvI9WSdkYDpEaZYBDzYgYytSOi2GJCiK4LeYGpKFpltDT3uQAaj3uLB6~axn8Cpvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hewitt — The Hewitt City Council on Aug. 18 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 annual operating and capital budget, approved a master fee schedule and enacted the property tax rate at 0.539082, the same as the current adopted rate.

The actions followed a workshop presentation and public hearing required by state law. Mr. Thomas, a staff member presenting the budget, said, “You will see that we have estimated revenues in the general fund of just over $17,100,000 and estimated expenses in the general fund of just over $17,200,000,” which leaves a projected ending general-fund balance of about $10.7 million before reserves.

The nut of the presentation was a multi-fund review and the staff’s recommendation that the council adopt the budget and related fee schedule. The budget package the council approved reflects a proposed cost-of-living adjustment and step increases, continued capital projects, and a debt-service increase tied to recently issued certificates of obligation.

Most important facts: the council adopted ordinance 2025-17 (the annual operating and capital budget) and ordinance 2025-16 (setting the 2025 property tax rate at 0.539082). The council also accepted the 2025 certified tax roll (ordinance 2025-15) and approved resolution 2025-06 adopting the master fee schedule. Council later voted to ratify the property-tax increase reflected in the budget as required by Texas law. Each vote on those items carried unanimously.

Key budget details presented by staff included: estimated general-fund beginning balance of about $10.8 million; proposed general-fund revenues of roughly $17.1 million and expenditures of about $17.2 million; a projected 90-day operating reserve of nearly $3.3 million; and an unrestricted general-fund balance projected at roughly $7.4 million for Sept. 30, 2026. The utility fund showed a beginning balance of roughly $6.1 million, projected revenues near $9.3 million and projected expenses of about $9.2 million, leaving an estimated unrestricted utility balance just over $4.68 million after reserves.

Staff noted a budgeted debt-service increase to about $3.36 million next fiscal year, and explained that the proposed budget includes three new firefighter positions (with a plan to delay hiring until closer to the new station opening, which staff estimated in June or July of the following year) and a 2% cost-of-living adjustment and 2% step increases. Mr. Thomas said delaying start dates for some hires would avoid carrying the full first-year personnel cost in 2025–26 and shift it to 2026–27.

The presentation also highlighted property-tax calculations and exemptions: the packet reflected 6,283 households with some form of exemption, a count of 3,714 homesteads, and an average market value and average taxable value used in the rate calculation. Staff explained the city’s certified taxable value and showed the no-new-revenue, voter-approval and de minimis tax-rate comparisons used in the council’s deliberations.

Councilmembers asked for additional follow-up briefings on a planned enterprise software consolidation for finance, human resources and utility billing; staff said a presentation is likely at the Sept. 15 meeting. The council also approved the technical master fee schedule, which included updated water and wastewater rates shown in the packet.

Ending: All budget, tax-rate and fee-schedule votes were carried without recorded opposition. The council scheduled routine follow-ups and a Sept. 15 meeting for several items including an anticipated software presentation.
","Council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 annual operating and capital budget, a master fee schedule and the certified tax roll; it also adopted the property tax rate of 0.539082 and ratified the budget's reflected tax increase.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council convenes closed session on city manager personnel; reconvenes with no action

Council approves $66,809 purchase and upfitting for replacement unmarked police truck

Council briefed on Atmos Energy Mid‑Tex settlement; staff says average residential bill would rise about $7.83

Hewitt council adopts 2025–26 budget, keeps property tax rate at 0.539082