Killeen council nominates WCID‑1 director Kenny Wells as representative to newly formed Central Texas Water Alliance

The Killeen City Council voted as part of the consent agenda on Sept. 2 to submit an entity membership application to the Central Texas Water Alliance (CTWA) and to nominate Kenny Wells as the city’s representative to the Alliance’s initial membership process. Staff said the Alliance was created by Senate Bill 1194, signed into law in May, and that an initial board has been seated and begun formation work.

City attorney/staff briefing (presented by Kagan/Cagle in staff remarks) explained that the CTWA has an initial board including county judges and designees from water districts, and that the Alliance is developing membership fees and governance. The staff presentation noted the Alliance’s work is in early stages and that membership would not be permanent; the city may withdraw membership by council vote.

Council members who spoke favored nominating Kenny Wells because he currently serves on WCID No. 1 and is familiar with water issues affecting Killeen and the region. Staff cautioned that the Alliance may set membership fees based on customers or gallons and that the city should make sure cost allocations are fair: “I think it's something for if you decide to join tonight and appoint someone, that's something that they, need to pay particular attention to to make sure that Killeen is not carrying an unfair share of the load,” a staff presenter said. The consent agenda motion that included the membership application and nomination carried 7–0.