Temple · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Temple public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Legislative Program
The council will consider hiring two Austin lobbying firms — Focused Advocacy, LLC and Fred Shannon, LLC — for two-year terms totaling about $375,600 combined, to represent Temple's interests at the state level.
Temple Police Association Meet and Confer Agreement
The negotiated agreement with the Temple Professional Fire Fighters Association sets firefighter pay, benefits, and working conditions for fiscal year 2027. A presentation will preview terms likely headed for council approval at a regular meeting.
Police Promotional Process
Temple Police Department personnel have filed appeals regarding the corporal promotional exams administered on October 20, 2026, which the Civil Service Commission will review.
Firefighter Promotional Examination Score Appeal
The commission will discuss establishing an alternative medical examination process for public safety personnel in a closed session.
CTHC Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budgets and Policy Revisions
The housing board will review monthly financial statements, investment analysis, and operational reports across multiple properties to ensure fiscal health and proper management of public housing assets.
Animal Services Oversight
The board will review monthly operational reports and veterinary updates to oversee animal care and shelter management in Temple.
The Link Subdivision Final Plat
A 73.6-acre residential subdivision proposing 294 single-family lots across four phases is up for preliminary plat review. This project will expand housing inventory on Shallow Ford Road.
Eminent Domain Delegation for South Temple Transmission Main
Multiple speakers objected to delegating eminent domain and condemnation authority for the South Temple Transmission Main to the city manager, arguing it bypasses direct elected oversight.
Unified Development Code Amendments for Data Centers
Residents urged the city council to halt data center permitting, rezonings, and annexations, pointing to similar moratoriums enacted by other Texas cities and counties due to water, power, and quality-of-life concerns.
Airport Infrastructure and Performance
The board is considering recommending a $100,000 state maintenance grant for the airport.
Police Department Executive Summary Review
The police department reported being down nine sworn officers and two non-sworn positions, while implementing new 12-hour patrol shifts and a revised district map to improve coverage.
TxDOT RAMP Grant Acceptance
The board is considering recommending a $100,000 state maintenance grant for the airport.
Lowes Drive Rezoning Request
An applicant requested to rezone a 0.731-acre vacant lot on Lowes Drive from multi-family residential to general retail to permit commercial retail uses.
Comprehensive Plan and Thoroughfare Updates
Public hearings were held to update the city's long-range growth roadmap and thoroughfare network to accommodate future traffic and development.
Site 64 Infrastructure and Grading Improvements
The city is moving forward with engineering design contracts for grading and wastewater rerouting at Site 64 to prepare the area for future development.
SeAH Drive Extension and Cedar Creek Lift Station Improvements
Infrastructure improvements including the SeAH Drive road extension and upgrades to the Cedar Creek Lift Station and Force Main are up for design contract approval to support local growth.
2027 Neighborhood Revitalization Goals and Work Plan
The board discussed future topics for community revitalization, including park projects and neighborhood planning updates to keep residents informed.
Emergency Services Master Plan and Operations Review
The advisory board was scheduled to review its annual report and receive updates on the master plan and fire services to ensure community safety standards are met.
Director of Finance Personnel Review
The city council met privately to discuss the job duties and performance plan for the Director of Finance, ensuring financial leadership stays aligned with city goals.
Annual Reports from City Boards and Commissions
The Board reviewed its annual report detailing preservation achievements, training, and ongoing initiatives for the City Council.
E-bike Trail Usage
The board was scheduled to review and potentially approve new rules for operating electric bicycles on city trails, balancing recreation and trail safety.
E-bike Trail Usage
The board was scheduled to review and potentially approve new rules for operating electric bicycles on city trails, balancing recreation and trail safety.
The Link Utilities and Storm Improvements
A proposed $580,358.29 construction contract with Bell Contractors, Inc. was scheduled for review to handle essential utility and storm drainage work for 'The Link' project.
Water Infrastructure and ASR Well
Speakers highlighted the critical importance of the city's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) well project for long-term water security.
Economic Development Prospects
East Penn Manufacturing is planning a $110 million expansion of its distribution and manufacturing facility at 5101 Wendland Road. The project would add over 175,000 square feet and create 48 new jobs, backed by a proposed 50% tax abatement over five years.
TIF Fund Allocation
The board reviewed major updates to the TIF financial plan, adjusting revenues, debt service, and project allocations across Temple's industrial and master-planned parks through 2062.
Zone-Related Municipal Services Payment to City General Fund
The board considered recommending a $4.5 million annual payment from the TIF fund to the city general fund from 2027 to 2030 to cover municipal service costs driven by zone development.
FY 2027 Operating Budgets for Public Housing Properties
The board scheduled review of operating budgets for multiple affordable housing properties, including Harvest House, French Crossing, Calhoun Square, and Golden Haven, for the upcoming fiscal year ending September 30, 2027.
Natural Gas Rate Increase
Atmos Energy is raising rates. The city negotiated a deal to keep the increase lower than what the company originally wanted.
The Link Project Development and Solicitations
The board took up ongoing infrastructure planning for The Link project at 2222 South 5th Street, including utility bids and engineering agreements with Turley Associates and Langerman Engineering. These contracts help move the bioscience property closer to active construction.
Real Property Acquisitions
The Temple Revitalization Corporation sold a 2.5-acre city property along I-35 to Cotton Real Estate Ventures for $1,635,000. The developer plans to build a new sit-down restaurant, adding dining options and boosting economic activity in the corridor.
Chatham Estate Land Donation for New Nature Park
The city is receiving a massive 178.7-acre land donation from the Estate of David and Peggy Chatham, valued at over $7.5 million. The property will become a new public nature park featuring protected woodlands, trails, and open space under a conservation easement.
Neighborhood District Presentations
The board was scheduled to receive a presentation focusing on the Western Hills Neighborhood District, which could impact local revitalization efforts and neighborhood planning.
East Downs Neighborhood Plan and Collector Road Alignment
The city is rolling out a long-range plan for the East Downs neighborhood to upgrade sidewalks, water lines, and parks. However, property owners raised concerns about a proposed collector road cutting across their land, prompting city staff to look at alternative routes.
Employee Benefits Package Procurement
The city is reviewing its comprehensive employee benefits package for fiscal year 2027, ensuring competitive health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for municipal employees and retirees. These contracts total over $10.4 million and play a vital role in recruiting and retaining city staff.
Old Howard Road, Wendland Road, and Northlink Drive Improvements
The board considered major roadway, drainage, and waterline construction contracts totaling over $15.6 million alongside associated engineering amendments to upgrade key transportation corridors.
Fire Station Improvements
The city is upgrading its fire fleet with new apparatus and planning major station upgrades and relocations, such as Stations 7, 9, and 2, to improve coverage and response times.
Meet and Confer Process Training
City officials and police union representatives participated in training to improve their negotiation skills. This process is key to hammering out the details of police officer contracts, affecting pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Bias-Based Policing Report Review
The commission reviewed the police department's report on bias in policing. This report is key to ensuring fair treatment for all residents and maintaining trust between the community and law enforcement.
Santa Fe Community Market Project
Temple is rolling out new grants for local nonprofits. If your charity is looking for a cash injection to fund its work in the community, this is your chance to apply for city support.
Drone as First Responder Program
The police department is rolling out new drone technology to assist with emergency response and situational awareness. Sgt. Goodson briefed the commission on how the program works and gave a tour of the operations center.
Counseling Center Project Partnership
The board discussed a potential partnership to support a joint counseling center project involving Texas A&M University Central Texas and Temple College.
Summit and Sammons Recreation Centers
Get ready for some awesome park upgrades! Ferguson and Jones Parks are getting a major facelift in 2026, meaning better outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Fire Station Infrastructure
The city is upgrading its fire fleet with new apparatus and planning major station upgrades and relocations, such as Stations 7, 9, and 2, to improve coverage and response times.
Bias-Based Policing Report Review
A gas leak caused a scare and shut down streets in Temple, forcing an evacuation. Luckily, no one got hurt, but it highlights how quickly public safety issues can pop up.
Bias-Based Policing Report Review
Temple's on the hunt for a new police chief, and the city has narrowed down the field to its top candidates. Get ready to see who might be steering the ship for the Temple Police Department.
Introduction of New Police Chief
Temple's on the hunt for a new police chief, and they actually want to know what *you* think! This is your chance to weigh in on who should lead the city's police force.
Introduction of New Police Chief
Temple has a new Police Chief, Coy Brown. This appointment could bring fresh perspectives and changes to the city's law enforcement.
Police Chief hiring
Temple's on the hunt for a new Police Chief, and they've got it down to four candidates. This decision will shape how law enforcement operates in the city for years to come.
Police Use of Force
Officer McEowen presented the police department's ongoing efforts to update defensive tactics training, incorporating Gracie Survival Tactics to improve officer safety and community relations.