City manager outlines capital projects, grants with Fort Hood and local impacts of federal shutdown
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Summary
City Manager Ryan Havelaw updated the council on multiple capital projects and grant partnerships, including a $5 million DIAG sponsorship for a $10 million energy-resiliency project with Fort Hood, and warned of local service impacts from the federal government shutdown.
City Manager Ryan Havelaw presented a comprehensive update on ongoing capital projects, regional grant activity and operational concerns. He listed projects nearing completion — emergency generators, an animal control facility, senior center work, municipal court renovation and the Fire Station No. 3 expansion — and said staff expect many to be substantially complete by late 2025.
On grants, Havelaw said the city is the sponsor of a $5 million Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DIAG) tied to a $10 million energy resiliency project with Fort Hood; Fort Hood is providing $5 million and the city serves as the pass-through sponsor. He noted the EDA award advancing Mashburn Drive and a DCIP award of $10.3 million for ramps on State Highway 9, awarded by TxDOT, and that preconstruction meetings are underway.
Havelaw highlighted coordination needs with military installations over emerging drone issues: "drones and military installations is becoming a greater concern" and local governments must coordinate with installations on any responses. He also raised fiscal concerns about the CodeRED/Unsold emergency notification platform and that Central Texas Council of Governments funding eligibility may change.
On the federal government shutdown, Havelaw told council the pause in federal activities was already affecting grants and benefits and could have local effects: "Some of those employees can't even pay for the gas to get to work," he said, describing a Fort Hood gas pool initiative. He recommended continued coordination with regional elected officials and partners to monitor impacts and indicated staff may propose flexible utility-payment plans or call a special council meeting if necessary. Havelaw also reported the regional Belle/ Bell County habitat conservation plan is paused and that committees failed to reach a unified Parkland Dedication Ordinance recommendation; he said staff will return with competing recommendations for council direction.
No formal council action followed the report; council members asked questions and thanked staff.
