Waco meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Waco officials weigh tax rate cut, development deals; no votes taken yet

Waco city officials this week discussed a proposed property tax rate that would lower the bill on a median-valued home by $73.74, along with major development agreements and housing authority matters. All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no final votes have been recorded.

Budget and tax rate

The City Council's Budget & Audit Committee met Aug. 11 to review the proposed FY 2026-27 operating and capital improvements budgets. The proposal sets a tax rate of $0.755000 per $100 valuation, which would produce a median homestead tax bill of $1,434.52 — $73.74 less than the previous year. The committee also reviewed the FY 2025-26 third-quarter investment report and discussed a new investment policy and strategy.

The full City Council took up the same budget and tax rate at its Aug. 18 regular meeting, along with a work session and business session. No vote was reported.

Development agreements

At the Aug. 18 council meeting, two development items were on the agenda:

• A master development agreement with Making Waves Waco, LLC for a master-planned community (Item 2026-499).
• A fourth amendment to the Catalyst Urban Development agreement, changing Phase 2 at Webster Ave and Brazos from hotel to mixed use (Item 2026-500).

The council also considered two $100,000 grants from TIF funds for the South MLK Jr. Blvd Business Recovery Grant Program (Items 2026-501 and 2026-502).

Housing authority

The Waco Housing Authority Board met twice this week. On Aug. 13, it discussed a Section 8 voucher funding shortfall and proposed changes to its administrative plan, and considered authorizing a search firm to find a new CEO. Resolutions 3929 and 3930 were on the agenda but no votes were reported. The board also received briefings on a management transition at South Terrace and related construction.

A special meeting on Aug. 20 included a briefing on the Housing Choice Voucher Program and authorization for executive sessions on legal, real property, and personnel matters. No final votes were scheduled.

Other meetings

Several other boards and commissions met this week, all with agenda-only items:

• The Cameron Park Zoo Commission (Aug. 12) received updates on the Jaguar Habitat Expansion, Gibbon Lake project, and Commissary remodel, plus a discussion of the upcoming AZA accreditation inspection.
• The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (Aug. 13) heard a director's report covering the FY27 budget, playground case study, and golf course drainage updates.
• The Aviation Advisory Board (Aug. 13) reviewed airport operations, Runway 1/19 rehabilitation, and FY27 capital improvement proposals.
• The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission (Aug. 13) discussed changing its regular meeting time and planning a Historic Preservation Workshop.
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (Aug. 17) discussed a proposed charter revision and its annual report to the City Council.
• The Zoning Board of Adjustment (Aug. 20) considered variance requests for parking and landscaping at 101 Washington Ave.
• The Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board (Aug. 20) reviewed the 2025 Consumer Confidence Water Report.
• The Veterans Advisory Board (Aug. 20) heard an update on Creekside Village and reviewed veterans issues.

Coming up

• **Aug. 24** – Waco-McLennan County Public Health District Board: strategic plan and organizational assessment.
• **Aug. 25** – Boards and Commissions Committee: annual reports from five city boards.
• **Aug. 25** – Plan Commission: adoption of the 2026-2030 Comprehensive Plan and multiple zoning amendments.
• **Aug. 26** – Convention Center & Visitors Bureau Commission: incentives for nine events, including the Banana Ball World Tour.
• **Aug. 29** – Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum Advisory Board: leadership transition and 50th anniversary planning.

Waco Council to weigh tax rate, $145.5M plant financing

The Waco City Council is scheduled to consider a proposed 2026 tax rate of $0.755000 per $100 valuation and a $145.5 million tax-exempt financing package for Graphic Packaging's recycled paperboard plant at its Aug. 4 meeting. The agenda also includes a $2.5 million economic development agreement for the 225 S. 5th St. redevelopment, which would bring 218 jobs. All items are on the agenda; minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions have been reported.

City Council: tax rate, financing, and development

The Aug. 4 regular meeting agenda includes:

• Setting the 2026 tax rate at $0.755000 per $100 valuation. Under that rate, the median homestead would pay $1,434.52, a decrease of $73.74 from the previous year.
• Approving $145.5 million in tax-exempt financing for Graphic Packaging's recycled paperboard plant at 301 Sheehy Pkwy.
• Voting on a $2.5 million economic development agreement for the 225 S. 5th St. redevelopment, which involves a $12 million investment and 218 new jobs.
• Awarding an $8.9 million runway rehabilitation contract to Big Creek Construction for Waco Regional Airport.
• Accepting a $7.3 million FAA grant for Runway 1/19 rehabilitation at the airport.

A separate special council meeting was also held Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. for an executive session on personnel matters regarding City Secretary Michelle Hicks. No action was reported.

The council's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18. That agenda includes the same proposed tax rate, a master development agreement with Making Waves Waco, LLC for a master-planned community, a fourth amendment to the Catalyst Urban Development agreement for Phase 2 at Webster Ave and Brazos (changing from hotel to mixed use), and two $100,000 grants from TIF funds for the South MLK Jr. Blvd Business Recovery Grant Program. Public hearings on multiple rezonings and annexations are also listed. A special council meeting is set for 2 p.m. that day for an executive session on Municipal Court Judge Robert Garcia.

Other recent meetings

• **Aug. 5 – Meet & Confer:** The city and Waco Police Association met to negotiate a new Meet and Confer Agreement. No details were released.
• **Aug. 5 – Building Standards Commission:** Held hearings on building code compliance for five properties, including 3900 Mockingbird Ln, 3316 N 15A St, 2320 Ethel Ave, 2123 N 5th St, and 1916-1924 Seley St.
• **Aug. 11 – Budget & Audit Committee:** Discussed the proposed FY 2026-27 operating and capital budgets, the tax rate, the FY 2025-26 third-quarter investment report, and a new investment policy.
• **Aug. 12 – Cameron Park Zoo Commission:** Received updates on the Jaguar Habitat Expansion, Gibbon Lake project, Commissary remodel, and an upcoming AZA accreditation inspection.
• **Aug. 13 – Parks & Recreation Commission:** Heard a director's report covering the FY27 budget, playground case study at STEAM Center, Juneteenth and Fourth on the Brazos recaps, Team Waco Youth Track Program, and Cottonwood Creek drainage projects.
• **Aug. 13 – Waco Housing Authority:** Discussed a Section 8 voucher shortfall, proposed administrative plan changes, and authorized a search firm for a new CEO. Also heard about a management transition at South Terrace.
• **Aug. 13 – Aviation Advisory Board:** Reviewed airport operations, Runway 1/19 rehabilitation, the 2026 Waco Wings & Wheels event, Freeman Jet Center hangar development, rental car wash and fuel station, and FY27 capital improvement proposals.
• **Aug. 13 – Historic Landmark Preservation Commission:** Discussed changing its regular meeting time and planning a Historic Preservation Workshop.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17 – EEO Advisory Committee (special):** Discuss charter revision, 2025 annual report, talent acquisition, and ADA Title I updates.
• **Aug. 18 – City Council regular meeting:** Budget, tax rate, development agreements, and public hearings.
• **Aug. 18 – City Council special meeting (2 p.m.):** Executive session on Municipal Court Judge Robert Garcia.
• **Aug. 20 – Housing Authority Board (special):** Briefing on Housing Choice Voucher Program; possible executive sessions on legal, property, and personnel matters.
• **Aug. 20 – Veterans Advisory Board:** Hear Creekside Village update from Mission Waco; review veterans issues.
• **Aug. 20 – Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board:** Review 2025 Consumer Confidence Water Report.
• **Aug. 20 – Zoning Board of Adjustment:** Consider variance requests for 101 Washington Ave involving parking and landscaping.

Waco Council to weigh tax rate, $145.5M paperboard financing

The Waco City Council is scheduled to consider setting the 2026 property tax rate and approving $145.5 million in tax-exempt financing for Graphic Packaging's recycled paperboard plant at its Aug. 4 regular meeting. The council also will vote on a $2.5 million economic development agreement for a downtown redevelopment project. All items are on the agenda; minutes have not yet been published.

City Council

The proposed tax rate is $0.755000 per $100 valuation. Under that rate, the median-valued homestead would pay $1,434.52, a decrease of $73.74 from the previous year.

The council will consider a $145.5 million tax-exempt financing package for Graphic Packaging's recycled paperboard facility at 301 Sheehy Parkway. It also will vote on a $2.5 million economic development agreement for the redevelopment of 225 S. 5th St., which the agenda says involves a $12 million investment and 218 new jobs.

In other business, the council is scheduled to award an $8.9 million runway rehabilitation contract to Big Creek Construction for Waco Regional Airport and accept a $7.3 million Federal Aviation Administration grant for Runway 1/19 rehabilitation.

The council also held a special meeting Aug. 4 to enter executive session regarding personnel matters involving City Secretary Michelle Hicks. No action was listed on the agenda.

Plan Commission

At its July 28 work session and business session, the Plan Commission held public hearings on four voluntary annexation requests totaling more than 600 acres. Two of the requests are ANX-26-01 for 153.722 acres near Buster Chatham Road and ANX-26-03 for 240.921 acres including Rosenfeld and Radle Road rights-of-way, both designated Rural Residential. The commission also reviewed zoning applications, including Z-26-25 to rezone 0.57 acres at 1901 N. 25th St. from O-3 Office-Limited Commercial to R-3C Multiple-Family Residence, and a special permit request Z-26-26 for a short-term rental Type I at 3001 Inverness Drive. The commission will forward recommendations on all items except subdivision plats to the City Council.

Building Standards Commission

On Aug. 5, the Building Standards Commission held hearings on building code compliance for properties at 3900 Mockingbird Ln., 3316 N 15A St., 2320 Ethel Ave., 2123 N 5th St., and 1916-1924 Seley St. The agenda included initial and administrative hearings.

Police negotiations

The city and the Waco Police Association met Aug. 5 to negotiate a new Meet and Confer Agreement. The meeting was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the 3rd Floor Conference Room of Waco City Hall, 300 Austin Avenue.

Coming up

• **Budget & Audit Committee** – Aug. 11: Discussion of the FY 2026-27 operating and capital budgets, proposed tax rate, and investment report.
• **Cameron Park Zoo Commission** – Aug. 12: Updates on Jaguar Habitat Expansion, Gibbon Lake, and Commissary remodel projects.
• **Aviation Advisory Board** – Aug. 13: Reports on airport operations, Runway 1/19 rehabilitation, and FY27 capital proposals.
• **Parks & Recreation Commission** – Aug. 13: FY27 budget update and project reports.
• **Waco Housing Authority** – Aug. 13: Section 8 voucher shortfall, CEO search, and South Terrace management transition.
• **Historic Landmark Preservation Commission** – Aug. 13: Possible change to regular meeting time and planning for a preservation workshop.

Waco meeting roundup: Plan Commission took up 600+ acres in annexation talks; Council set to vote on tax rate and $145.5M plant financing

Recent Waco government meetings covered animal shelter operations and a large slate of land-use items, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them — so outcomes and vote tallies are not available. The most consequential action on the horizon is the August 4 City Council meeting, where council members are scheduled to vote on the 2026 tax rate, a $145.5 million financing package for a paperboard plant, and an $8.9 million airport runway contract.

Animal Welfare Board — July 22

The Animal Welfare Board met July 22 to review shelter operations for the first half of 2026. The agenda listed a report on shelter capacity from January through June 2026, a discussion of Animal Protection Officer call volume for June, and a briefing on state statute and local City of Waco ordinances. The board also was scheduled to review notes from its June 24 meeting and hear a report on animal welfare organization operations and spay/neuter statistics. Minutes have not been published, so no decisions or votes can be reported.

Plan Commission — July 28 (Work Session and Business Session)

The Plan Commission held a work session and business session July 28. The work session included a council member visit and a presentation of the Form-Based Code Adoption Draft for the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area.

The business session agenda listed public hearings on two voluntary annexation requests totaling more than 600 acres:

• **ANX-26-01**: 153.722 acres near Buster Chatham Road, designated Rural Residential, R-E zoning.
• **ANX-26-03**: 240.921 acres including Rosenfeld and Radle Road rights-of-way, designated Rural Residential, R-E zoning.

The commission also was scheduled to consider zoning application Z-26-25 to rezone 0.57 acres at 1901 N. 25th St. from O-3 Office-Limited Commercial to R-3C Multiple-Family Residence, and a special permit request (Z-26-26) for a Short-Term Rental Type I at 3001 Inverness Drive. Additional items on the agenda included rezoning at 2410–2418 Cumberland Avenue/Maple Avenue, an abandonment request, and three subdivision plat proposals. The agenda stated the commission would forward recommendations on all items except subdivision plats to the City Council. Minutes have not been published, so no recommendations or votes can be confirmed.

Coming up

• **August 4, 2 p.m. — Special City Council Meeting**: Executive session regarding City Secretary Michelle Hicks.
• **August 4 — Regular City Council Meeting**: Council is scheduled to vote on setting the 2026 tax rate at $0.755000 per $100 valuation, which would lower median homestead taxes by $73.74 to $1,434.52. Also on the agenda: a $145.5 million tax-exempt financing for Graphic Packaging's recycled paperboard facility at 301 Sheehy Pkwy; a $2.5 million economic development agreement for 225 S. 5th St. redevelopment (projected 12M investment, 218 new jobs); an $8.9 million runway rehabilitation contract award to Big Creek Construction for Waco Regional Airport; and acceptance of a $7.3 million FAA grant for Runway 1/19 rehabilitation.
• **August 5, 1:30 p.m. — Meet & Confer Meeting**: Negotiations between the City and the Waco Police Association on a new Meet and Confer Agreement, at the 3rd Floor Conference Room, Waco City Hall, 300 Austin Avenue.
• **August 5 — Building Standards Commission**: Building code compliance hearings for 3900 Mockingbird Ln., 3316 N 15A St., and 2320 Ethel Ave. (residential), and 2123 N 5th St. and 1916–1924 Seley St. (commercial).

Waco Meeting Roundup: Zoning, Budget Talks Lead a Week of Agendas Without Final Decisions

No votes or final decisions are on record for Waco's public meetings held between July 8 and July 16, 2026. The city's official records for that period contain only agendas — minutes have not yet been published — so residents cannot yet confirm what, if anything, was decided. Several meetings were cancelled outright. Below is what each agenda listed as planned business.

Plan Commission Special Meeting (July 14)

The most consequential agenda of the week belonged to the Special Plan Commission, which scheduled public hearings on multiple rezoning requests and two ordinance amendments. Listed items included:

• Rezoning 1204 Gholson Road from R-1B to O-3.
• Land use and rezoning change for 2300 S. New Road.
• Concept Plan amendment for Saddle Creek PUD at 9701–10101 China Spring Road.
• Rezoning 722 S. 7th Street from O-2 to C-2.
• Rezoning requests for 1901 N 25th Street and several properties on Cumberland Avenue and Maple Avenue.
• Ordinance amendment regarding Historic Landmark Preservation Commission criteria.
• Ordinance amendment regarding HUD Code Manufactured Homes in R-E districts.

Because only the agenda is available, no vote tallies or outcomes can be reported.

Budget & Audit Committee (July 14)

The committee's agenda listed discussion of advisory services for the termination of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3, including an anticipated agreement with Hawes Hill & Associates regarding TIF No. 3 termination and TIF No. 4 extension. Also listed: discussion of charging a convenience or service fee on credit card payments, and Fiscal Year 2027 outside agency funding requests. No dollar figures or votes appear in the record.

Zoning Board of Adjustment (July 16)

The board scheduled two public hearings on variances:

• A-26-09: Suzette Dozier requests four yard setback variances for a lot at 920 Sherman Street in the R-2 district.
• A-26-10: Kristina Hornung requests an eight-foot fence variance along the rear property line between 2010 Rustic Trail and 2011 Clover Ridge Drive.

The agenda also included approval of minutes from the June 18, 2026 business session and board reports on information requests, scheduling, and future meeting dates.

Cancelled Meetings

Four meetings on the calendar were cancelled:

• Waco Transit Advisory Board (July 14) — had been set to review Fiscal Year 2026 financial reports and ridership.
• Veterans Advisory Board (July 15) — agenda included a Creekside Village update by John Calaway and a review of housing, employment, and medical/behavioral health issues.
• Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board (July 16) — had been set to review the 2025 Consumer Confidence Water Report.
• Waco McLennan County Library Advisory Commission (July 16) — had been set to discuss proposed changes to library hours of operation and West Waco Library updates.

Agendas With No Readable Text

Three meetings — the Waco Housing Authority & Affiliates Special Meeting (July 8), the Plan Commission Subcommittee (July 9), and the Meet & Confer Meeting (July 13) — produced agendas containing only encoded characters or numerical strings. No substantive items can be identified from the records provided.

Coming Up

• **July 22 — Animal Welfare Board Meeting.** The board will review shelter capacity reports from January through June 2026, discuss Animal Protection Officer call volume for June 2026, and receive a briefing on state statute and local City of Waco ordinances. The agenda also includes a report on animal welfare organization operations and spay/neuter statistics.

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the July 8–16 meetings should watch for published minutes, which are not yet available in the record.

Waco Building Standards Commission Held Property Compliance Hearings; Several Upcoming Meetings Address Zoning, Budget, and Library Hours

Waco's Building Standards Commission held compliance and administrative hearings on several residential properties on July 1, while a Meet & Confer session between the City and the Waco Police Association was cancelled. Minutes for recent meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes of the hearings are not available in the record.

Building Standards Commission Hearings (July 1)

The commission scheduled initial compliance hearings for two properties: 3004 Homan Ave (Scott Louise E ETAL) and 711 Dawson St (Baker Annella L LTE). Administrative property updates were also listed for 1901 Connor Ave (Arroyo Israel Diaz), 3513 Live Oak Ave (Groth Bruce Wesley), and 1122 Brook Ave (JSHANTEX LLC). Because minutes have not been published, no determinations from these hearings can be reported.

Cancelled and Unreadable Agendas

The June 29 Meet & Confer Meeting, intended for negotiations between the City of Waco and the Waco Police Association, was cancelled. A July 8 Waco Housing Authority & Affiliates Special Meeting and a July 9 Plan Commission Subcommittee Meeting both had agendas that contained no readable or substantive text, so no topics or actions could be identified from either record.

Coming Up

Several meetings scheduled for the week of July 14 may affect residents directly:

July 14 — Special Plan Commission Meeting. Public hearings are set on multiple rezoning requests, including 1204 Gholson Road (R-1B to O-3), 722 S. 7th Street (O-2 to C-2), 2300 S. New Road, 1901 N 25th Street, and properties on Cumberland Avenue and Maple Avenue. A Concept Plan amendment for Saddle Creek PUD at 9701-10101 China Spring Road is also on the agenda. The commission will consider two ordinance amendments: one regarding Historic Landmark Preservation Commission criteria and one regarding HUD Code Manufactured Homes in R-E districts.

July 14 — Budget & Audit Meeting. The committee will discuss an anticipated agreement with Hawes Hill & Associates regarding the termination of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3 and extension of TIF No. 4. Also listed: a discussion on charging a convenience or service fee on credit card payments, and Fiscal Year 2027 outside agency funding requests.

July 14 — Waco Transit Advisory Board Meeting. Presentations on Fiscal Year 2026 financial reports and ridership are scheduled, along with discussion of past and future surveys.

July 16 — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting. Two public hearings are scheduled: Suzette Dozier requests four yard setback variances for a lot at 920 Sherman Street in the R-2 district (case A-26-09), and Kristina Hornung requests an eight-foot fence variance along the rear property line between 2010 Rustic Trail and 2011 Clover Ridge Drive in the R-1B district (case A-26-10).

July 16 — Waco McLennan County Library Advisory Commission Meeting. The commission will discuss proposed changes to library hours of operation and receive updates on the West Waco Library flooring project and a proposal for the Children's area.

July 15 — Veterans Advisory Board Meeting. A Creekside Village update by John Calaway is scheduled, along with a topical review of housing, employment, and medical/behavioral health issues.

July 16 — Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board Meeting. A presentation on the City of Waco's 2025 Consumer Confidence Water Report is listed, plus a Sustainable Action Work Group update.

July 22 — Animal Welfare Board Meeting. The board will review a report on shelter capacity from January through June 2026 and discuss Animal Protection Officer call volume for June 2026.

A July 13 Meet & Confer Meeting is scheduled, but the provided agenda contains no readable text, so topics are not available in the record.