Keene faces state audit finding; EDC to weigh $1.17 million road contract
Keene city leaders are confronting a state determination that the city failed to comply with audit requirements, a finding that restricts the city's ability to raise property taxes. Next week, the Economic Development Corporation will consider a $1.17 million contract to reconstruct a section of County Road 317.
Recent City Council agenda
The City Council met July 2, but official minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included several items:
- **Audit non-compliance**: A letter from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton found the city out of compliance with Local Government Code Chapter 103, which limits the city's authority to increase the property-tax rate. The council was scheduled to receive updates on the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 audits.
- **Business Improvement Grant program**: A proposed program funded by the Keene Economic Development Corporation (Type A) was on the agenda for discussion.
- **Property release from ETJ**: A petition to release property at 6572 FM 3136 (Alvarado) from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction was listed.
- **Audit costs**: The agenda referenced audit costs exceeding $50,000 and IRS audit costs of $12,128.24.
- **New Fire Marshal**: A new Fire Marshal was hired, with 75% of the salary supplemented by Johnson County Emergency Services District.
No votes on these items are available yet.
Independence Day notices
On July 3, the city posted possible-quorum notices for city officials attending three Independence Day events: a parade from Chisolm Trail Academy to SWAU campus (8–10 a.m.), a celebration at Leiske Pultar Gymnasium (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), and a Cleburne Railroaders baseball game and fireworks at La Moderna Stadium (6–10 p.m.). No official business was conducted.
Upcoming EDC meeting
The Economic Development Corporation (Type A Board) will meet Monday, July 6, and consider awarding a reconstruction project for County Road 317 to McMahon Contracting, LP for $1,174,884.34. The project would replace 1,740 linear feet of asphalt with a 30-foot-wide concrete roadway, install three 36-inch cross culverts, and add curb and gutter. Shoulder additions for TxDOT turn lanes and driveway repairs are also included. If approved by the EDC board, the recommendation goes to the City Council for final authorization.
Coming up
- **Economic Development Corporation (Type A) meeting** – Monday, July 6, to discuss the CR 317 contract. (No location or time provided in agenda.)
- **Candidate orientation quorum notice** – Wednesday, July 7. Council, Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, and EDC board members may attend; no business will be conducted.
Residents can view full agendas and minutes on the city's official website.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.