Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Draft Fee Schedule Amendments
Fee changes across the board: the $50 roof permit fee goes away, deposits and high-grass abatement fees rise, a fire hydrant meter deposit jumps to $3,000, and Fort Worth pass-through water impact fees reach as high as $46,000 for a two-inch meter on new development.
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.
$5.5 Million in Aged Receivables and Write-off Policy
The city is carrying $4.6 million in old court fines (mostly state money) and $856,000 in utility balances over three years old that likely won't ever be collected. Writing them off cleans up the books but doesn't erase warrants or liens.
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.