Waco council approves wide package of measures, reduces drainage fee and continues historic landmark hearing

WACO — The Waco City Council on Oct. 21 cleared a range of business including the consent agenda, land-use rezonings, multiple code amendments and budget/contract actions.

Key actions at a glance

- Consent agenda approved: The council approved minutes (item 2025-744) and resolutions numbered 2025-745 through 2025-765 on a single motion and roll call.

- Drainage fee decrease (public hearing item 2025-766): The council held the required public hearing and approved a resolution to reduce the monthly municipal drainage fee by $1 per equivalent residential unit, lowering the fee from $6.55 to $5.55. Floodplain administrator Roger Glick said the changes would be included in the FY25-26 drainage utility fund schedule and, per state law and city ordinance, the fee change would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. "Staff has verified that all required notices of this public hearing have been published in accordance with state law and ordinance," Glick said. Council approved the fee reduction by roll call.

- Certificate of occupancy ordinance (public hearing item 2025-767): Council considered an ordinance moving section 28-90 (certificates of occupancy) from the zoning chapter to the buildings and building regulations chapter and adding new issuing guidelines. Plan Commission recommended approval 9–0. Commenter Ephraim Harry raised concerns that the ordinance's referenced…