Mayoral contenders debate taxes, incentives and keeping Keller's services intact

Tad Greene and Ed Prem faced off in a two‑person mayoral portion of a community forum that focused on fiscal pressures tied to population growth, revenue strategies and public‑safety compensation. Greene, who chairs Keller's economic development board, pointed to state‑level proposals that could limit municipal spending growth and said the city must "tighten our belts" and court revenue‑generating businesses. He warned that a push to continually lower the tax rate can leave the city with fewer budgetary levers.

Prem, a military veteran running on a platform of disciplined planning and integrity, emphasized near‑term costs tied to becoming responsible for major thoroughfares after Keller surpasses 50,000 residents. "We will own Main Street," he said, noting that taking on maintenance and signaling for those streets could add "at least another million dollars plus every year." He argued the city should plan for those expenses rather than accept a decline in services.

Both candidates said compensation and retention for police and firefighters must be addressed. Greene described existing benefits and said the city has been increasing pay; Prem suggested reallocations and lifecycle adjustments (for example, delaying equipment replacement) as potential cost savings that could be redirected to staff pay. On economic incentives, Prem favored case‑by‑case deals tied to milestones and clawbacks; Greene said he has voted for targeted incentives but stressed that Keller has been successful in attracting restaurants and retail without broadly paying incentives.

The candidates closed by urging voter participation and promising different remedies for Keller's fiscal constraints: Greene emphasized experience in business and municipal finance; Prem emphasized new leadership and transparent decision making. The forum adjourned without any formal city council action or votes.