KILLEEN — The City Council voted unanimously to reprogram $1,349,445.69 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, directing $349,445.69 to the Rosa Hereford Community Center for kitchen appliances, furniture and IT, and $1,000,000 to design and build a water‑reuse irrigation system at the Killeen Community Center ballpark.

Miss McNair, presenting staff recommendations during a public hearing on PH 26‑001, said the reallocation follows a council direction to suspend a previously planned reunification center project and the need to move CDBG dollars to eligible uses. "Staff recommends that council approve the ordinance, for the substantial amendment awarding, dollars 349,445.69 to the community center for IT kitchen appliances and furnishings, and the remaining balance of $1,000,000 towards the Killeen Community Center ballpark water reuse irrigation system," she said.

McNair told the council the total available for reprogramming was $1,349,445.69, of which $49,000 had already been spent on the earlier project. She said the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) "voted unanimously to recommend the following funding be reprogrammed," and described options CDAC had considered, including funding appliances/furniture/IT at Rosa Hereford and funding the ballpark irrigation system. If approved, staff will submit the substantial amendment to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through IDIS by Jan. 16 and present an update on the reunification center project to council on Jan. 20.

During the three‑minute public‑comment period, Melissa Brown opposed the reprogramming. "This is not the best use for this money," Brown said, arguing the irrigation project was not in the parks master plan and questioning whether the funds would meaningfully benefit low‑ and moderate‑income families. Brown also raised concerns about prior expenditures and potential self‑reimbursement, and said some District 1 residents had recently received letters about possible private‑side water line contamination. "How is that really benefiting the low and moderate income families? It's not," she said.

After public comment closed, Council member Solomon moved to approve PH 26‑001; the Mayor seconded. The motion carried, recorded as "Motion carries 7 to 0." Council subsequently approved a motion to adjourn.

The ordinance authorizes staff to proceed with the substantial amendment to the annual action plan for the 2025 program year and to reprogram the specified CDBG funds. The record shows CDAC recommended the reprogramming, the public comment period produced objections from at least one resident, and staff will file the amendment with HUD by mid‑January.

Next steps: staff will submit the amendment to HUD via IDIS no later than Jan. 16 and provide a status update on the reunification center project to the council on Jan. 20.