Council holds second public hearing on FY2026 budget; sets Sept. 2 adoption date

City finance staff presented a revised proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Killeen City Council at the required second public hearing on Aug. 19. The revised budget totals roughly $297,000,000 in expenses, a 9.7 percent increase over the FY2025 adopted budget in staff’s presentation.

Major additions cited by staff: a 1% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and associated compensation-plan implementations across multiple funds; budgeted positions including four police officers and one sergeant, a deputy fire chief and an assistant city manager, an IT security manager, a municipal court bailiff, and increases to the children’s advocacy center allotment. Staff said most funds remain balanced but some enterprise/internal funds will use fund balance where noted.

Why it matters: The proposed budget affects city personnel, public safety staffing levels, and capital and maintenance priorities. Council and residents used the public hearing to ask clarifying questions about program funding, revenue assumptions, and departmental staffing.

Public input and council action: Several speakers used the hearing to raise questions about staff compensation, new executive-level positions, and allocations to outside organizations. After public comment, the council set Sept. 2, 2025, as the date to consider final adoption of the FY2026 budget.

Next steps: Staff will continue budget work and present detailed ordinance language and any requested amendments for council consideration on Sept. 2.