Killeen council hears public priorities as city manager flags a multi‑million dollar shortfall

KILLEEN, Texas — City Manager Cable told the Killeen City Council on Tuesday that a preliminary forecast for the fiscal 2026 budget shows a shortfall of roughly $2.4 million under current assumptions, prompting council members and residents to press staff on priorities including public safety, water‑line repairs in North Killeen, downtown economic development and a push to secure a grocery store for the north side.

Cable said the forecast assumes a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for city employees — a measure he estimated would cost about $3.6 million to the general fund — and other standard increases. He told council that “if you want to add one new police officer, it's $103,000 in salary and benefits and then a new vehicle” and that the first‑year cost with equipment would be about $204,000.

The numbers were the starting point for wide discussion. Resident Melissa Brown told the council during public comment that safety should take precedence over new parks or buildings: “If we're not safe, then who's gonna go to the parks anyway?” She urged higher raises for lower‑paid city employees and a grant program to help private property owners repair failing water service lines.

Why it matters: Cable said the city faces an ongoing fiscal squeeze driven in part by the growing cost of the disabled‑veterans tax exemption. He reported that…