Temple · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Temple public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Event center rezoning at 3610 E Adams Avenue
An applicant wants to rezone about 3.2 acres from Agricultural to Planned Development–General Retail to build an event center. A public hearing is scheduled, so neighbors can speak for or against before any vote.
3rd Street Trail project agreement
The city plans to sign an agreement with the state for the 3rd Street Trail from Zenith Ave to Welton Ave along Spur 290, with Temple covering the full estimated $469,340 cost. It adds a pedestrian trail segment in east Temple.
Wastewater treatment plant and drainage change orders
Two construction change orders are on the consent agenda: about $170,060 more for the Temple-Belton Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Phase 2, and about $28,411 more for the Friars Creek Detention Pond project.
Fire Department Position Classifications
The council is set to give final approval to reclassifying certified firefighter positions, and take the first look plus public hearing at a similar change for certified police officers — pay and classification changes for public safety staff.
ERP consulting and 2027 Limited Tax Notes
The council will consider a $367,100 contract with Sciens, LLC for enterprise resource planning consulting — modernizing the city's internal software systems — with part of the cost set to be reimbursed through 2027 Limited Tax Notes.
Golf carts on designated streets
A resident is asking the council to consider letting golf carts operate on certain designated streets in Temple. If the council pursues it, new rules would follow — affecting how neighbors get around their own neighborhoods.
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.
Firefighter Promotional Examination Score Appeal
The commission will discuss establishing an alternative medical examination process for public safety personnel in a closed session.
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.
Property Code Violations
The Building and Standards Commission is reviewing five properties with alleged code violations, ranging from dwelling structures to accessory buildings. These hearings help ensure neighborhood safety by addressing dilapidated or unsafe properties across Temple.
Preserve at Lions Park Phases 2 and 3 final plats
Two final plats would lock in the layout for 74 more single-family homes across Phases 2 and 3 of the Preserve at Lions Park subdivision along Shallow Ford Road. It is another step in an ongoing residential build-out in south Temple.
City Annexation and Growth
The Planning Director's report tracks more than a dozen annexations since 2022, from large rural tracts to future RV parks, duplexes, and a mixed-use project with up to 250 apartments. Most are already annexed by ordinance; a few remain in progress, with readings scheduled for October 2026.
Administrative Resolutions and Purchasing Designation
The board will consider resolutions to write off collection losses, approve a United Way report, and officially designate the Executive Director as the purchasing and contracting officer.
Internal Policy Revisions: Fraud Prevention and Procurement Cards
The board will consider resolutions to write off collection losses, approve a United Way report, and officially designate the Executive Director as the purchasing and contracting officer.
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.
Sammons Community Center Bond
The board will learn about Proposition A for the Sammons Community Center Bond Election, which impacts local recreation facilities and potential public investments.
Library Outreach and Event Services Policy Updates
The board is reviewing updates to how the library manages its outreach programs and event services. These changes affect how community groups and residents can access library resources outside standard facility walls.
Planning Department Workflow & Case Updates
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed active development cases, annexations, and upcoming agenda items to prepare for future decisions.
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.
Proposed Municipal Budget and Added Debt
Residents expressed concern over Temple's total municipal debt reaching roughly $818 to $933 million and the reliance on certificates of obligation without voter approval. City finance staff presented a detailed overview, noting that ratings agencies maintain a strong double-A rating and debt is tied to essential infrastructure and growth.
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.
City Attorney Employment and Work Plan
The City Council will review the performance, duties, and ongoing work plan for the City Attorney in a closed executive session. This review helps ensure the city's legal representation aligns with municipal goals and priorities.
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.
TxDOT RAMP Grant Acceptance
The board is considering recommending a $100,000 state maintenance grant for the airport.
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.
Proposed Park Use Policy Updates
The board scheduled a review of proposed updates to city park use policies to ensure rules match community needs.
Department Staff Support and Recharge Strategies
The board scheduled discussions on staff support strategies and general department operations across various divisions.
Pension Fund Disbursements
The board was scheduled to review monthly pension payments, financial statements, and investment reports. They also planned to discuss potential updates to how attorney fee reimbursements are handled for retirees.
Attorney Fee Reimbursement Policy
Trustees discussed updating policies regarding attorney fee requirements for retirees, specifically addressing potential fund reimbursements when individuals are found not at fault.
Warehouse Office Parking Standards
City staff proposed updating parking rules so that small-scale warehouses associated with offices do not have to meet the same high parking ratios as pure office spaces. This adjustment helps local trades like electricians and plumbers avoid excessive parking lot requirements.
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.
Infrastructure Expansion
The board reviewed construction and engineering agreements to address drainage channel improvements and wastewater line extensions along Old Howard Road.
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.
FY2027 Business Plan and Annual Budget
The advisory board was scheduled to review the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget for fire and emergency services, which outlines operational funding and resource allocation for the upcoming year.
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.
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.
Carport and Pergola Setback Variances
Property owners requested variances to allow carports and a pergola to remain within required front yard setbacks and separation limits. These cases highlight ongoing challenges residents face when placing accessory structures on older residential lots.
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.
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.
Annual Reports from City Boards and Commissions
The Board reviewed its annual report detailing preservation achievements, training, and ongoing initiatives for the City Council.
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.
Rowan project approval
The City Council approved multiple agreements, tax abatements, and reinvestment zones for Rowan's massive multi-phase data center project in Synergy Park. Residents raised strong concerns about water consumption, wastewater capacity, electricity strain, and tax breaks for corporations, while supporters highlighted job creation and infrastructure contributions.
FY2027 Tax Rate Adoption
The board is reviewing its upcoming budget and a proposed tax rate of $0.014228 per $100 valuation, which impacts local taxpayers and district funding for health and bioscience initiatives.
2222 South 5th Street Property Development
The real estate subcommittee was set to report on project plans, maintenance, and surveys for the property at 2222 South 5th Street.
Board and Commission Appointments
The board planned to address the resignation of Tyler Johnson and discuss processes for filling the vacant board and officer positions, alongside designating new public information and records management officers.
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.