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Killeen council pauses reunification center construction, reserves CIP funds and seeks operator
Summary
City council voted 6-0 to suspend construction of the proposed Reunification Center, direct staff to hold $1.8 million in CIP funds for the project and continue seeking an operational partner, citing concerns about long-term operating funding.
The Killeen City Council voted 6-0 on July 15 to suspend immediate construction of the proposed Reunification Center and to reserve approximately $1.8 million in capital funds for the project while staff continues seeking a fiscally viable partner to operate the facility. Council also directed staff to hold the other identified funding and to return with options.
City staff described the Reunification Center as an emergency shelter that would provide office space for service providers, triage and referral services, and temporary warming and cooling capacity for people experiencing homelessness. “The reunification center is an emergency shelter for unhoused individuals,” a staff member stated during the work session.
The decision followed a presentation summarizing project history: council and county planning since 2021, grant applications and an interlocal agreement with Bell County. Staff reported $3,399,000 in local and federal allocations committed to the project, $277,591.09 expended or obligated to date, and a remaining balance of roughly $3.12 million across funding sources. Staff offered three options: proceed with construction under the sole proposal received, reissue the operations RFP, or suspend and reallocate funds.
Council members said their central concern was sustainable operations rather than construction costs alone. Mayor (unnamed) and several council members said the city can build facilities but must be sure there is an operator and ongoing funding to run them. Councilmember Solomon moved to suspend construction and hold the CIP funding, and the motion was seconded and amended to direct staff to continue pursuing an operational partner; the motion and amendment passed 6-0.
Under the council direction, staff will pause immediate construction actions, retain the earmarked CIP dollars for the reunification project, and continue outreach to potential nonprofit or other operators. If staff later recommends reallocating CDBG or other federal funds, that would require the HUD substantial-amendment process and a 30-day public comment period.
The council did not set a new timeline; staff will return with recommendations about operating partners and any revised procurement steps.
Council action: Motion to suspend construction, hold approximately $1.8 million in CIP for the reunification center, and direct staff to continue seeking an operational partner carried 6-0.
Less critical details: the existing community shelter currently operated by Families in Crisis would remain in operation independent of the council decision. Any reallocation of CDBG funds would require HUD approval and public comment.
