City of Temple - Special Called City Council Meeting

The City of Temple held a special called City Council meeting on August 18, 2026, primarily focused on discussing a proposed $15 million bond package for the reconstruction of the Sammons Community Center, which was closed due to significant structural deficiencies discovered after a 2024 tornado. Public comments expressed concerns about the bond amount, transparency, and alternative options such as repurposing existing buildings. City staff explained that the bond election must be called by this meeting to appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot and clarified that bond funds can only be used for the Sammons Community Center project, not other city projects. The council voted unanimously to set the proposed tax rate ceiling at 75 cents, schedule public hearings, and call the bond election for November. The bond would fund demolition, design, construction, and furnishing of a new facility, with detailed design and cost finalization to follow if voters approve the bond. Additionally, the council approved contracting with the Bell County Elections Administrator for the uniform election date.