Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY2027 municipal fee schedule
Ordinance No. 1547-26 would update the city's fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 — the prices residents and businesses pay for permits, services, and other city functions. A public hearing was scheduled before any Council action.
One-time employee salary supplement
Civilian city employees will receive a one-time payment of up to 3% of base pay to help with retention, without permanently raising salaries. Sworn public safety staff already got raises in the FY27 budget.
Pausing Safe Routes to School Funding
Two resolutions were slated to pause Safe Routes to School spending — one in the Strategic Initiatives Fund and a companion Oil and Gas Fund budget amendment. Sidewalk and route-safety work for students would be deferred, with funds kept in reserve.
Transportation subsidy elimination
The ~$50,000-a-year ride subsidy for seniors and workers ends when funds run out; staff will bring alternatives through Catholic Charities and other partners.
Capital improvement program management (Viesta)
Frustration over long-delayed projects like backlit street signs and park restrooms — one member wants individual bids and enforceable timelines on every funded project.
$5.5 Million in Aged Receivables and Write-off Policy
The city is carrying about $5.5 million in utility and court receivables, much of it years old, that inflates the balance sheet. A new write-off policy sets timelines — 3 years for court accounts, 12–24 months for utilities — while keeping collection efforts alive.