Keene meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Keene Council Agendas Cover Budget, Election, and Road Work

The Keene City Council held three meetings in the past two weeks, but no minutes have been published, so no official decisions are confirmed. Agendas included the FY2027 budget, a new city limits map, and a November general election.

Budget and Personnel

At the July 28 budget workshop, the council discussed the FY2027 budget, focusing on personnel and health insurance costs. They also considered a proposal from Medical Access & Service Advantage (MASA) for resident elective memberships covering emergency ground and air ambulance costs. Possible action on medical and dental benefits for city employees for FY2026-2027 was also on the agenda.

Boundaries and Election

On July 30, the council considered adopting an ordinance for an official city limits map reflecting recent annexations and ETJ changes, and an ordinance updating ward boundaries. They also considered a contract with Johnson County Elections Office to administer the November general election. The FY2027 proposed budget revenue was informational only, with no action taken.

On August 6, the council considered an ordinance calling a general election for Mayor and Council Places I, III, and Ward II on November 3, 2026. They also considered adoption of FY27 budgets for the Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A and Type B) Boards.

Infrastructure and Other Business

The August 6 agenda included a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy regarding the 2026 Rate Review Mechanism Filing, a County Road 317 construction project estimated at $1.2 million, and a Canyon development sewer line contract estimated at $140,000.

All items remain pending until minutes are published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.

Keene boards, council tackle FY2027 budget, ward boundaries, and election prep

Keene's City Council and Economic Development Corporation (Type B) Board each held meetings over the past two weeks focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with the council also weighing new ward boundaries, an official city limits map, and an ambulance membership proposal. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the three recent meetings, so outcomes listed below reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed action.

Economic Development Corporation (Type B) — July 21

The Type B Board was scheduled to act on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with proposed expenses of $762,051.35 and proposed revenue of $401,440.00. The board was also set to receive updates on the installation of additional outdoor secondary warning sirens and on requested information for Elisa Carver Park ballfield improvements. Minutes are not yet available, so it is not confirmed whether the budget was adopted or what the updates contained.

City Council — July 28

The council held a FY2027 budget workshop focused on personnel and fringe benefits, including health insurance costs. Members were also scheduled to consider a proposal from Medical Access & Service Advantage (MASA) for resident elective memberships covering emergency ground and air ambulance costs, and possible action on medical and dental benefits for city employees for FY2026-2027. Because minutes are not yet published, it is unclear what, if anything, was acted on.

City Council — July 30

The council was scheduled to review and possibly adopt two ordinances: one establishing an official city limits map reflecting recent annexations and ETJ changes, and another updating city ward boundaries. The council was also set to consider a contract with the Johnson County Elections Office to administer the November general election. A budget workshop on FY2027 proposed revenue was listed as informational only, with no action expected. Minutes are not yet available, so adoption of the ordinances and the elections contract cannot be confirmed.

Why these items matter

The FY2027 budget discussions across both bodies will shape city spending and services starting October 1. The proposed EDC budget shows expenses of $762,051.35 against revenue of $401,440.00, a gap that would need to be reconciled. Ward boundary and city limits changes affect representation and which jurisdictions residents fall under. The MASA ambulance membership proposal, if adopted, would offer residents a way to cover emergency ground and air ambulance costs. The Johnson County elections contract is a procedural step toward the November vote.

Coming up

City Council — Thursday, August 6, 2026: The council will consider an ordinance calling a general election for Mayor and Council Places I, III, and Ward II on November 3, 2026. Also on the agenda: adoption of FY27 budgets for the Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A and Type B) Boards; a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy regarding the 2026 Rate Review Mechanism Filing; County Road 317 construction estimated at $1.2 million; and a Canyon development sewer line contract estimated at $140,000. An informational workshop on FY2027 proposed budget revenue is also scheduled.

Keene EDC unanimously picks contractor for CR 317 reconstruction; Council to weigh road and sewer contracts

The Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A) Board voted unanimously on July 6 to select MCMahaon Contracting, LP as the contractor for the County Road 317 reconstruction and improvement project. The board confirmed the project will be funded with EDC-A board proceeds, not taxpayer money, and planned to send a resolution to the City Council for final approval at its July 15 regular meeting.

CR 317 contractor selected

At the July 6 EDC Type A meeting, a motion to select MCMahaon Contracting, LP for the CR 317 project was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. The board reviewed the reconstruction and improvement project and confirmed the funding source. A resolution was to be prepared for City Council consideration.

The July 16 City Council agenda lists a resolution to award McMahon Contracting, LP $1,174,884.34 for County Road 317 improvements. The July 15 EDC Type A agenda also lists a resolution to award a bid to McMahon Contracting, LLC for CR 317 improvements. Minutes from both the July 15 and July 16 meetings have not yet been published, so final council action on the contract amount is not confirmed in the available record.

City Council to consider sewer pipe contract and FY2027 budget workshop

The July 16 City Council agenda includes a bid award to A&M Construction and Utilities, Inc., for a $138,000.00 10-inch sewer pipe improvement project. The council is also scheduled to hold an informational workshop on Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operational expenses and Capital Improvement Projects. An executive session discussion regarding real property at the Keene Industrial Park is also listed.

Because minutes from the July 16 meeting are not yet available, these items reflect what was on the agenda, not what was decided.

EDC Type A July 15 agenda

The EDC Type A Board's July 15 agenda included adoption of the proposed FY26-2027 budget, a resolution to award a bid to McMahon Contracting, LLC for CR 317 improvements, approval of June 17 and July 6 meeting minutes, and a discussion regarding the purchase or lease of real property at the Keene Industrial Park. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Candidate orientation held with no city business

A July 7 notice indicated a possible quorum of City Council, Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, and Economic Development Corporation boards at a candidate orientation. No business was conducted, no deliberation or action was taken, and no city business was discussed. No meeting minutes were produced.

Coming up

The Economic Development Corporation (Type B) Board meets July 21 to consider action on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with proposed expenses of $762,051.35 and proposed revenue of $401,440.00. The board will also receive updates on the installation of additional outdoor secondary warning sirens and on requested information for Elisa Carver Park ballfield improvements.

Keene faces audit compliance limits on tax rate; CR 317 reconstruction contract heads to Council

Keene's recent city meetings were agenda-only sessions with no published minutes, meaning no formal actions are confirmed from the past two weeks. The most consequential items now move to upcoming votes: a $1,174,884.34 contract for County Road 317 reconstruction and a $138,000.00 sewer pipe improvement project, both scheduled for City Council consideration on July 16.

Attorney General flags audit non-compliance

The July 2 City Council agenda included updates on the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 audits. According to the agenda, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a letter finding the city out of compliance with Local Government Code Chapter 103, which restricts the city's ability to raise property taxes. The agenda also listed audit costs exceeding $50,000 and IRS audit costs of $12,128.24. No minutes have been published, so no council action is confirmed.

The agenda further listed a proposed Business Improvement Grant program funded by the Keene Economic Development Corporation, a petition to release property at 6572 FM 3136 from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, and a report that a Fire Marshal was hired with a 75% salary supplement from Johnson County ESD. These items were listed for discussion or updates; outcomes are not yet documented.

EDC considers $1.17 million CR 317 contract

The Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board) met July 6 to review a proposed contract award to McMahon Contracting, LP for $1,174,884.34. The CR 317 project would replace 1,740 linear feet of asphalt with a 30-foot-wide concrete roadway, install three 36-inch cross culverts and new curb and gutter, add shoulders for TxDOT turn lanes, and include driveway repairs. Minutes are not yet published, so no award is confirmed from that session.

The EDC is scheduled to take action on the same contract at its July 15 meeting, where it will also consider adopting the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, approve minutes from June 17 and July 6, and discuss the purchase or lease of real property at the Keene Industrial Park.

Council to vote on road and sewer contracts

On July 16, the City Council will consider a resolution to award McMahon Contracting, LP $1,174,884.34 for County Road 317 improvements. The council will also consider a bid award to A&M Construction and Utilities, Inc., for a $138,000.00 10-inch sewer pipe improvement project. An informational workshop on Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operational expenses and Capital Improvement Projects is also scheduled, along with an executive session discussion regarding real property at the Keene Industrial Park.

Procedural notices

Two possible-quorum notices were posted in the past two weeks. On July 3, city officials were notified they may attend Independence Day events — including a parade from Chisolm Trail Academy to SWAU Campus, a celebration at Leiske Pultar Gymnasium, and a Cleburne Railroaders game and fireworks at La Moderna Stadium — with no official business conducted. On July 7, a notice was posted for council and board members attending a candidate orientation; no business, deliberation, or action was scheduled, and no minutes will be produced.

Coming up

• **July 15, EDC (Type A Board):** FY26-2027 budget adoption, CR 317 contract award vote, Keene Industrial Park real property discussion.
• **July 16, City Council:** CR 317 contract ($1,174,884.34), sewer pipe project ($138,000.00), FY2027 budget workshop, executive session on Keene Industrial Park property.

Keene faces state audit finding; EDC to weigh $1.17 million road contract

Keene city leaders are confronting a state determination that the city failed to comply with audit requirements, a finding that restricts the city's ability to raise property taxes. Next week, the Economic Development Corporation will consider a $1.17 million contract to reconstruct a section of County Road 317.

Recent City Council agenda

The City Council met July 2, but official minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included several items:

• **Audit non-compliance**: A letter from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton found the city out of compliance with Local Government Code Chapter 103, which limits the city's authority to increase the property-tax rate. The council was scheduled to receive updates on the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 audits.
• **Business Improvement Grant program**: A proposed program funded by the Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A) was on the agenda for discussion.
• **Property release from ETJ**: A petition to release property at 6572 FM 3136 (Alvarado) from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction was listed.
• **Audit costs**: The agenda referenced audit costs exceeding $50,000 and IRS audit costs of $12,128.24.
• **New Fire Marshal**: A new Fire Marshal was hired, with 75% of the salary supplemented by Johnson County Emergency Services District.

No votes on these items are available yet.

Independence Day notices

On July 3, the city posted possible-quorum notices for city officials attending three Independence Day events: a parade from Chisolm Trail Academy to SWAU campus (8–10 a.m.), a celebration at Leiske Pultar Gymnasium (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), and a Cleburne Railroaders baseball game and fireworks at La Moderna Stadium (6–10 p.m.). No official business was conducted.

Upcoming EDC meeting

The Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board) will meet Monday, July 6, and consider awarding a reconstruction project for County Road 317 to McMahon Contracting, LP for $1,174,884.34. The project would replace 1,740 linear feet of asphalt with a 30-foot-wide concrete roadway, install three 36-inch cross culverts, and add curb and gutter. Shoulder additions for TxDOT turn lanes and driveway repairs are also included. If approved by the EDC board, the recommendation goes to the City Council for final authorization.

Coming up

• **Economic Development Corporation (Type A) meeting** – Monday, July 6, to discuss the CR 317 contract. (No location or time provided in agenda.)
• **Candidate orientation quorum notice** – Wednesday, July 7. Council, Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, and EDC board members may attend; no business will be conducted.

Residents can view full agendas and minutes on the city's official website.