Residents at Citizens Forum urge higher new-development fees, stronger code enforcement and support for underpaid fire personnel

Three residents used the Citizens Forum on Sept. 2 to raise separate concerns about development costs, neighborhood maintenance and public-safety staffing.

Daniel Hallbecker spoke about a proposed development discussed at a prior council meeting and asked the council to require developers to bear more of the infrastructure and water-purchase costs. He urged the city to increase meter-set fees and sewer connection fees (suggesting $2,000 additional for meter-set and $1,000 additional for sewer) so new-home buyers and developers absorb more of the cost rather than existing customers. Hallbecker also noted recent city discussions about purchasing water and said every new home increases demand and related costs.

Donald Andrew, a longtime resident, criticized what he described as inconsistent code enforcement along Veterans Avenue and other corridors. He said visible front-yard and street-facing property issues — high grass, furniture and debris — remain for years unless a complaint prompts enforcement. He urged the council to clarify and enforce standards for yards and ditches and said many residents and realtors avoid showing properties that appear unsightly.

Robert Sizemore, a former firefighter and paramedic, urged the council to address Copperas Cove Fire Department staffing and pay. He said the department’s personnel are underpaid relative to neighboring jurisdictions, that recruitment and retention are challenging, and that the community should support its first responders beyond rhetoric.

Council listened; the speakers’ requests were not the subject of an immediate council vote. Staff and council members may follow up with the speakers or place topics on future agendas for policy consideration.