Special City Council Workshop - August 8, 2026

The City of Killeen held a Special City Council Workshop on August 8, 2026, focusing primarily on legislative priorities and the city's contract with the Schuler Group, a lobbying firm. Public comments raised concerns about the firm's performance, transparency, and the lack of competitive bidding, urging the council to consider canceling the contract. Council members discussed the stalled state funding for the veterans' property tax exemption reimbursement, emphasizing the need for a strategic lobbying approach to secure increased funding during the upcoming 90th Texas Legislature. The Schuler Group representatives highlighted challenges in the Senate's support and the complexity of legislative advocacy, noting the importance of continuous engagement with legislators. The council also deliberated on forming a coalition with other impacted cities to strengthen lobbying efforts. Additionally, discussions touched on the impact of business personal property tax exemptions, data center developments, and the need to position the city to benefit from incoming data centers as a new revenue source. Motions were passed to suspend speaking rules to allow extended council discussion. No formal contract awards or new procurement actions were taken during this meeting, but policy and budgetary issues affecting future funding and vendor opportunities were central topics.