Copperas Cove roundup: Church Mountain annexation, budget hearings on the table as minutes await publication
Copperas Cove boards and councils met several times over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, so outcomes of votes and discussions are not yet confirmed. The most consequential items on the agendas included a 310-acre annexation and development deal along Lutheran Church Road, public hearings on the proposed 2026-2027 city budget, and two final plats that together would create 138 residential lots.
City Council Regular — July 21, 2026
The City Council's regular meeting agenda included several significant items:
- A public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit for a short-term rental at 208 Appaloosa Drive, zoned Low Density Residential.
- Consideration of a development and annexation agreement for 310.07 acres known as Church Mountain, located along Lutheran Church Road.
- Consideration of waiving water utility costs for the Allin House, a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark.
- A resolution to apply for a Texas Water Development Board Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant.
- A consent agenda that included payments to Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter and the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce for Rabbit Fest.
The council was also scheduled to appoint representatives to a tax increment reinvestment zone board.
A separate City Council Workshop scheduled for July 21 was canceled. That workshop was to include an Impact Fee Program 101 presentation by Development Services Director Bobby Lewis.
City Council Special — July 30, 2026
The council held a special meeting with public hearings on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and plan of municipal services, as well as the proposed budget for the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation. The agenda also included discussion and direction on the Ad Valorem Tax Rate for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Planning & Zoning Commission — July 27, 2026
The commission was set to vote on two final plats for residential subdivisions:
- The Reserve at Skyline Mountain Phase 2 — 27 lots on 18.14 acres, Low Density Residential zoning, Coryell County Property ID 159458.
- The Settlement Phase 1 — 111 lots plus one tract on 33.13 acres, Low Density Residential zoning, south of Settlement Road and west of Big Divide Road, spanning Coryell and Lampasas counties.
The commission was also scheduled to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson and approve minutes from its June 22, 2026 meeting.
Other Recent Meetings
- The Capital Improvements Advisory Committee met July 20 for an education session on impact fees led by Ben Plett of Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
- The Quality of Life Advisory Board met July 28 to discuss Hills of Cove Golf Course CIP projects, parks CIP projects, the city community garden, and youth and adult program revenue. The board also planned to approve minutes from its June 16, 2026 meeting.
Coming Up
- **Aug. 3 — Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful Commission:** Action items include the Negrete Firefighter Foundation project, wooden Christmas trees for Christmas in the Park, and a Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. The September 7 regular meeting is canceled.
- **Aug. 4 — City Council Workshop (5:00 p.m., Technology Center, 508 S. 2nd Street):** Includes a proclamation for Storm Water Pollution Awareness Week and an Impact Fees 101 presentation by Ben Plett of Kimley-Horn.
- **Aug. 4 — City Council Regular:** The council will consider the proposed property tax rate for FY 2026-2027, Ordinance No. 2026-21 for a special election to reauthorize a 0.25% local sales and use tax for street maintenance, a contract award to Bell Contractors, Inc. for the Copperas Cove EDC 45-acre Industrial Park Project, adoption of the initial Five-Year Street Maintenance Program for FY2026-FY2030, and Ordinance No. 2026-19 regarding Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2026. The council will also consider ordering elections for November 3, 2026.