Copperas Cove council reviews proposed $25.4 million FY2025–26 budget; water, sewer rate increases and website cost flagged

Copperas Cove officials presented the city manager—s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget at a special workshop June 24, outlining a proposed general-fund expenditure level of $25,400,000, projected general-fund revenues of $24,600,000 and an ending general-fund balance of about $11,500,000.

The budget presentation, led by budget presenter Missus Beckman and introduced by Ryan Havela, City Manager, detailed department-level changes across public safety, administration, community services, public works and utilities, and noted that total expenditures across all funds exceed revenues by approximately $895,000. "The budget is also published in the city's website for those that are interested to go in there and read through it," Missus Beckman said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The council must decide how to close the gap between revenues and expenditures after certified property values are received by July 25, and staff singled out several items not included in the proposed budget that would require council direction before adoption: (1) a hosted website with an AI chatbot and related hosting estimated at $5,900 a year, (2) an estimated $100,000 annual contractual position to lead fundraising for Rodey Park, and (3) a proposed $150,000 match to assist the historical society—s Allen House grant applications.

Key figures and structure

- General fund: proposed revenues $24,600,000; proposed expenditures $25,400,000; ending fund balance $11,500,000 (about $5.1 million above the stated ideal balance). Staff noted the budget is not structurally balanced and presented…