The council proclaimed Cleburne a Tourism Friendly Texas certified community and heard state tourism officials and Visit Cleburne staff highlight visitor growth and an estimated $54.8 million in direct travel spending for 2025.

To comply with changes in state law referencing manufactured homes, the council created a new MH zoning district allowing HUD-code manufactured homes by right and limited manufactured-home parks to the MH district; the ordinance passed 4-1.

The City Council adopted the FY2027 budget and related ordinances, approving a $68.3 million general-fund expenditure plan, a $0.581 tax rate, and a separate resolution ratifying a property-tax revenue increase; the budget adoption passed 5-0 and the tax and revenue items were recorded votes.

City staff presented a proposed FY2027 tax rate of $0.581 per $100 of assessed valuation — a reduction from FY2026’s 0.612548 — at a public hearing. No votes were taken tonight; adoption votes are scheduled for Sept. 22, 2026.

Council approved a Chapter 380 economic development agreement to reimburse up to 50% (not to exceed $90,000) of utility infrastructure costs to support redevelopment at 108 South Caddo Street; applicants estimate private investment exceeding $1 million and guaranteed three years of operation.

City staff presented the proposed FY2027 budget and a recommended property tax rate of 0.581; staff detailed supplementals, major capital projects, and directed written responses to a citizen's questions. Final adoption is scheduled for Sept. 22; the tax-rate meeting is Sept. 8.

Council approved an ordinance to place a $62.5 million general-obligation bond proposition on the Nov. 3 ballot for a new public safety campus (police headquarters, fire administration and municipal courts); council authorized voter notices and committed to town halls and transparent financial information.

City Manager and finance staff presented the proposed FY2027 budget recommending a property tax rate of 0.581 per $100 valuation, projected certified values of roughly $4.5 billion, $1.8 million in general-fund supplemental requests and continued capital investments including street maintenance and utility projects.

State Rep. Helen Kermlin told the Cleburne City Council she will file two bills to limit hyperscale data‑center impacts — proposing aquifer and agriculture protections, more permitting transparency, and a five‑mile buffer around state parks — citing local concerns about water, roads and grid strain.

At its July 6 meeting the Cleburne City Council approved multiple routine and substantive items including a right‑of‑way abandonment (7.3), a $2.29 million waterline contract (8.3), a garbage‑rate ordinance (8.4), renewal funding for Christmas in Action’s HOPE program (8.1) and HOT funding for the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum (8.2) at $100,000.

City staff and the project architect presented a preliminary plan for a new two‑story public safety facility to house police, fire administration and municipal court; staff identified a 6‑acre city site, preliminary FAA clearance and a projected bond election timeline with potential construction to begin after voter approval.

After a public commenter alleged mismanagement and possible commingling of resources at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, the council debated a $160,000 HOT funding request and approved $100,000 (motion by Councilman Oliver Cosby; second by Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones) by a 4–1 vote, citing flat HOT revenues and fund‑balance concerns.

Council awarded a $7,937,199 contract (including $500,000 contingency) to Garrett Shields Infrastructure LLC for the Lakeshore Drive and Harvest Hill Road improvements project, covering ~9,300 linear feet of roadway, sidewalks, drainage and lighting; construction is expected to take 18 months and start in mid‑July.