Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Booth Calloway Road reconstruction funding
The Council was set to discuss Halff Associates' proposed scope, fee, and schedule for the Booth Calloway Road project — a road improvement that would come before the city for eventual contract action.
Utility rate increases from Fort Worth
Fort Worth is raising water and sewer impact fees on new development in two phases (October 2025 and October 2026), and Richland Hills must mirror the rates in its own ordinance — a combined fee for a typical 3/4-inch meter climbs from $8,256 to $8,742 next October. Existing residents aren't affected unless they add a meter, and the city determined it's not worth a ~$150,000 study to add local fees on top.
Comprehensive Plan as a zoning guide
Commissioners clashed over whether filling an older commercial building with an ice cream plant helps or hurts the city's new vision for Baker Boulevard as a walkable, mixed-use hub. The debate turned on whether redevelopment will ever come to this odd, small 'sandwich' lot — and whether saying yes now locks in the status quo.
Cecil Drive street reconstruction
The council was set to award the 2026 street project contract for Cecil Drive, drawing on the 2023 street bond funds. This is the bond money at work on neighborhood streets.
Citywide street conditions and paving priorities
The city's street resurfacing program for next fiscal year was up for discussion, including pricing and timing. Residents on rough streets have a direct interest.
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.
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.
TIRZ Number One termination
The council seems ready to dissolve the Baker TIRZ, unlocking about $1 million and redirecting ~$350,000 a year citywide instead of limiting it to Baker Boulevard projects.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program
The council was scheduled to receive updates on the park restroom and street projects.
IT Infrastructure Replacement Package
The city was considering a broad replacement of aging network and server equipment — a Fortinet purchase of up to $210,000 from oil and gas reserves, Dell servers and storage up to $500,000 from the General Fund, and a seven-year meter network subscription of up to $43,763 per year.
Ending the Real Time Transport Program
The council was scheduled to consider ending the city-subsidized Real Time Transport ride program once current funding runs out. Riders who depend on the subsidized service would lose it after closeout.
Aging city IT network replacement
The city's 16 network switches — some dating to 2018 — are aging out of support, and replacing them piecemeal would cost roughly $99,000 up front. Staff propose a Meter "network as a utility" subscription at about $27,118 a year for five years, covering hardware, monitoring, firewalls and Wi-Fi with free upgrades. Council wants longer-term pricing and a cost comparison before signing anything.
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.
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.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
A draft plan lays out how the city could attract restaurants, retailers and destination development — using opportunity zones, tax credits, corridor beautification, and possibly a voter-approved bond and homestead exemption. It goes public for comment before any adoption.
City Strategic Plan and Budget Direction
The council workshop focused on the city's strategic plan, vision and mission, fiscal review, and how the budget lines up with capital projects. The direction set here shapes what services and improvements Richland Hills funds in the years ahead.
Fire department staffing losses
The fire department already lost five people and is losing more — including two going to Tarrant County ESD 1 and paramedic Lainea Ashley-Nolen, who is leaving for Wise County EMS. The new chief is hiring replacements and counting on neighboring cities for mutual aid.
Substandard property order — 7056 Dover Lane (Case 10175)
The city has an outstanding order covering repair, vacation, relocation of occupants, removal, demolition, or securing of a substandard house at 7056 Dover Lane. The board was scheduled to hear the latest status update in a public hearing. Neighbors may be concerned about blight and safety at the property.
City Manager Appointment
Richland Hills has a new city manager: Jason Moore, the person who runs day-to-day city operations. That means he’ll have a big say in city services and budgets, so his priorities will shape how local government works.
Fire Chief Appointment
Richland Hills picked Wes Rhodes as its new fire chief. That means he’ll shape how the city responds to fires and emergencies, so residents have a new person in charge of a core public-safety service.