Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cancellation of four regular Council meetings
Resolution No. 670-26 would cancel regular Council meetings on November 23, 2026, December 28, 2026, June 28, 2027, and July 12, 2027 — around holidays.
Write-off of uncollectible utility and fire department accounts
The city is cleaning its books by writing off about $942,655 in old, likely uncollectible utility and fire department bills. The debts aren't forgiven — a collection firm keeps pursuing them — but the balance sheet will reflect reality.
Employee vacation buyback policy
City employees can now sell back up to 40 hours of accrued vacation per year, paid from the strategic initiatives fund — a retention tool adopted via the consent agenda.
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.
FY27 Calendar, Holidays, and Council Training
Council discussed trimming the FY27 meeting calendar, a three-tier training budget (staff recommends the $9,215 middle option), and whether to expand the ten-holiday employee schedule — including concerns from council about residents unable to get water service during long holiday closures.
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.
Texas Municipal League Region 8 Director Vote
Richland Hills was scheduled to cast its vote for the Region 8 Director of the Texas Municipal League, the statewide organization representing cities' interests in Austin. It's a small item with a voice in bigger regional advocacy.
Utility and Court Fine Collections
A discussion of how the city collects unpaid utility bills and court fines, including when to write off uncollectible amounts.
Falling Taxable Values and TAD Appraisal Concerns
Upcoming legislative proposals could cap all city revenue growth at 3.5% and make it easier to roll back tax rates — a big threat to how Richland Hills pays for police, water, and streets.
FY 2027 tax rate options
The council adopted a $26.71M budget funded at the voter-approval rate, raising the average city tax bill about $154. Some members wanted a higher 58-cent rate for cushion; others said residents already face Atmos gas and water increases and the city shouldn't add more.
Fiscal Year 2027 CCPD Budget
The crime district's sales tax revenue has dropped sharply after losing over $3 million in sales tax payers citywide, forcing the FY 2027 budget to spend $608,782 more than it takes in. The city plans to cover this year from reserves, then shift costs like the vehicle lease and some personnel back to the general fund in FY 2028.
FY 2027 Development Corporation Budget
The Development Corporation's budget funds Rosebud Park improvements and covers the Link subsidy and parks spending, using $567,678 of reserves as sales tax revenue lags.
TIRZ Number One termination
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone on the Baker Boulevard corridor is being shut down. About $1 million of remaining money moves into the strategic initiatives fund for one-time projects — think business grants or capital purchases — and the county gets its proportional share back.
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.
General Municipal Election Canvass — Council Places 3 and 5
Allison Barger and Athena Campbell were formally declared elected to the council, with Campbell narrowly unseating incumbent GW Estep. New members will shape council decisions going forward.
Proposition A — Sales Tax Reauthorization for Street Maintenance
Voters overwhelmingly reauthorized the three-eighths-of-one-cent local sales tax that funds street maintenance and repair — 4,386 to 85. The council's certification makes it official, so the road-repair funding stream continues.
Recognition of Outgoing Council Members
Council Members Theresa Bledsoe and G.W. Estep are leaving the Council and were scheduled to be recognized for their service. It's a moment to thank two residents who volunteered years of public service.
FlashVote Citizen Survey Tool
Staff wants to sign up for FlashVote, a service that texts and emails short surveys to a panel of volunteer residents to gauge community opinion. It costs $7,900 a year plus $3,000 to set up, and the City Manager can approve it without a Council vote. Neighboring cities like North Richland Hills and Bedford already use it.