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Killeen council approves $215,000 boost for economic development corporation amid calls for measurable results
Summary
The Killeen City Council approved a $215,000 amendment to the Killeen Economic Development Corporation's FY26 appropriation, raising it to $1.1 million, while members of the public urged the council for clearer performance benchmarks and more direct city oversight.
Killeen City Council voted May 5 to increase its FY26 appropriation to the Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) by $215,000, bringing the city's total support for the year to $1,100,000.
The funding increase was part of the consent agenda the council approved without discussion. Staff had told the council the amendment would expand the city's existing agreement with KEDC to provide economic development services and that the additional $215,000 was recommended for FY26.
The decision drew public criticism during citizens' comments. Dr. Sue Croft said the city should require measurable returns before expanding funding. "For $1,100,000 this city should build internal economic development leadership," she said, urging the council to consider benchmarks, quarterly reporting and direct oversight rather than continuing an outsourced model.
Michael Fanino also criticized KEDC's performance, calling it "a failed, bloated entity" and urging the council to require competition and heavier oversight before increasing the budget.
City staff told the council that KEDC has provided services under contract since 1990 and that the amendment reflects an increase to the FY26 appropriation previously approved in December. Staff did not provide new, council-adopted performance targets at the meeting.
Mayor Reakos Adams acknowledged public concern and directed staff to review committee appointments pulled from the consent agenda for additional scrutiny; the council then approved the remainder of the consent package.
Next steps: council members and staff indicated they will follow up on requests for clarity about KEDC performance and website updates; no additional funding conditions or reporting requirements were adopted at the May 5 meeting.
