Haltom City Council weighs water rate hike, $682K water line contract
Haltom City officials this week considered a proposed 14.4% increase in water rates and a 12.4% increase in wastewater rates, along with a $682,666 contract for a water line on Denton Highway. No decisions have been reported from recent meetings, as minutes have not yet been published.
City Council
The council’s July 27 agenda included a work session on the proposed rate increases for fiscal year 2027, driven by higher wholesale costs from Fort Worth and infrastructure needs. In regular session, the council was scheduled to vote on awarding a $682,666 contract to A&M Construction for an 8-inch water line in the 3100 block of Denton Highway, and on purchasing a $153,997 generator and transfer switch for Fire Station No. 1 via Texas BuyBoard, plus a $56,467 budget amendment. Also on the agenda were a resolution requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board for a water infrastructure grant, a first reading of an ordinance amending the Cross Connection Control Policy, and a resolution recognizing Buffalo Soldiers Day.
On August 6, the council held a budget workshop to discuss the proposed FY2026-2027 budget, including priorities, departmental funding, revenue projections, expenditures, and the proposed tax rate. A citizen forum allowed public comment on the preliminary budget, but no council action was permitted during that time.
Library Board
The Library Board met July 28 and was scheduled to consider approving a long-range planning survey, excused absences for board members, and minutes from the May 26 meeting. The agenda also included city updates from Council Contact Troy Dunn and a director’s report from Erica Gill.
Zoning Board of Adjustments
On July 28, the Zoning Board of Adjustments held a public hearing on a variance request from Soutchay Sanavongxay for a side and front yard encroachment at 3315 Aurora Street in a single-family residential district. The board also considered approving minutes from its July 14 meeting.
Beautification Board
The Beautification Board met August 1 at the Senior Center after rescheduling from August 17. The agenda included approval of minutes, volunteer/training hours, public comments, a discussion of Business of the Quarter, and planning for the remainder of FY2026 and FY2027.
Animal Advisory Committee
The Animal Advisory Committee met August 3 to select a chairman and approve minutes from its April 6 meeting. The agenda included a financial report on the Animal Shelter Fund (ending balance $54,840 as of June 2026), shelter updates (3 animal control officers on staff, training completed), and scheduling the next meeting for December 7, 2026.
Parks & Recreation Board
The Parks and Recreation Board met August 4 to review a donation fund and plan upcoming events including Reels & Readiness, Carfest, Veterans Day, and Christmas on Broadway. The board also discussed family softball and future agenda items. No votes on specific projects or expenditures were scheduled.
Coming up
- **City Council** – August 10: Discussion of the proposed FY2026-2027 budget and setting a preliminary tax rate for FY2027, public hearing on the Crime Control and Prevention District budget, resolutions on Atmos Rate Tariffs and Purchasing Policy, and appointment of Cynthia Runnels as Alternate Member to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
- **Zoning Board of Adjustments** – August 11: Public hearing on variance ZBA-014-26 for 3315 Aurora Street, approval of minutes from July 14 and July 28, and determination of excused absences.