Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Employee vacation buyback policy
Resolution No. 672-26 would let city employees sell back unused vacation time — a staffing and budget matter for city hall.
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
Resolution No. 671-26 would clear uncollectible utility billing and fire department receivables off the city's books under its adopted write-off policy.
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.
Proposed Citizen Civic Academy
The city is considering launching a civic academy class to teach residents how local government works.
Atmos Energy Rate Settlement
A consent-agenda resolution approving a negotiated settlement over Atmos Energy's 2026 rate filing — this affects natural gas bills for area customers.
Public Beautification and Art Advisory Committee
A new advisory committee is being formed to oversee the ~$30,000 library mural grant and future public art; appointments come at the next meeting.
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.
LINK youth program standards of care
The yearly renewal of child-care safety standards for the LINK's camps and after-school programs — adopted with fixes on staff age minimums, age ranges and reporting language.
Side yard setback exception for home addition
A Mimosa Park Drive family needed relief from the eight-foot side setback to expand their home with a new bedroom and bathroom. Because their existing house already encroaches into the setback, the board allowed the addition to match that older footprint.
Published Start Time for Regular Council Meetings
Two residents asked the council to publish a firm start time — like 7 p.m. — instead of "immediately following executive session," which they said leaves citizens guessing and makes the city look opaque. Council took no vote but offered to place the topic on a future agenda.
Animal Shelter Advisory Board Appointment
The council was to consider filling a seat on the Animal Shelter Advisory Board, which advises on animal welfare matters in the city.