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A local resident in Keene is rallying the community to support Kerrville flood victims with a creative raffle idea, but legal hurdles stand in the way!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #DisasterRelief #KeeneFloodVictims
Local resident proposes raffle to support Kerrville flood victims
Joanne seeks ideas to fundraise for Kerrville flood victims through a raffle initiative.
citizenportal.ai
July 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
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Keene is gearing up for transformative economic development, but what will it take to attract that long-awaited grocery store?

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #InfrastructurePlanning #CitizenPortal #KeeneEconomicDevelopment #PublicEngagement #RetailAnalysis
Consultant HDL outlines economic-development component of Keenes comprehensive plan
HDL Companies presented its scope for Keenes comprehensive plan: economic analysis, SWOT, retail/target-industry work, business retention tools, benchmarking, stakeholder surveys and town halls; board members pressed for grocery-store analysis, visual future maps and infrastructure planning.
citizenportal.ai
May 25, 2026 at 6:09 PM
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Exciting changes are on the horizon for Keene's transit service, with a new app and rebranding aimed at enhancing accessibility and cutting down wait times!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #TechInnovation #CitizenPortal #ElderlyAccess #PublicTransportation #KeeneTransit
City County Transportation Plans App, New Software and Rebrand to Improve Keene Service
City County Transportation officials told the Keene council ridership rose 8.4% in 2025 and outlined a relaunch with new Ecolane scheduling software, bilingual web/app booking, card payments, three new buses arriving in March–April, and a planned rebrand to increase access and reduce long hold times.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 6:09 PM
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Keene is on the brink of a major economic boost with a potential deal that could bring 200 new jobs and a $70K-$100K median income!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #EconomicDevelopment #ManufacturingGrowth #KeeneIndustrialPark #JobCreation #CitizenPortal
Keene staff say 'offer coming' from Metal Plate for 60‑acre industrial park site; city projects up to 200 jobs
City Manager Jonathan Seitz told the council an offer is imminent from 'Metal Plate' for 60 acres in the industrial park; staff said the initial facility would bring 80–100 jobs and a second phase could add another 80–100 jobs, with median incomes between $70,000 and $100,000.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 8:53 PM
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The Keene City Council has officially rejected the Johnson County appraisal district's plan for a new office, raising concerns over rising costs and the need for collaboration.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CivicCollaboration #CostTransparency
Keene council disapproves Johnson County appraisal district office acquisition
Citing lack of county collaboration and potential city cost increases (estimated 8–12%), Keene approved Resolution No. 2026-505 opposing the Johnson County central appraisal district's plan to buy and renovate a Burleson office building for an appraisal office.
citizenportal.ai
September 5, 2026 at 12:49 AM
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Keene City Council just approved a new opt-out ambulance membership plan that could save households thousands in emergency transport costs!

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Keene council approves opt-out ambulance-membership plan to appear on utility bills
Council approved offering MASA elective memberships to Keene households, with an education period starting in October and billing effective Feb. 1; the plan uses an opt-out placement on utility bills at $7.75/month per household and provides up to $1,000 ground and $10,000 air-transport reimbursement in many cases.
citizenportal.ai
September 5, 2026 at 12:46 AM
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State Rep. Helen Kerwin is sounding the alarm on hyperscale data centers in Johnson County, warning they could strain local infrastructure and urging residents to get involved in the legislative process.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CommunityEngagement #WaterResourceProtection
State Rep. Helen Kerwin warns Keene of regional data-center risks, promises legislation
State Rep. Helen Kerwin told the Keene City Council that hyperscale data centers in Johnson County can strain roads, the electric grid and shared water resources; she said she will file two bills next session to add guardrails, and urged citizens to engage in hearings and petitions now.
citizenportal.ai
September 5, 2026 at 12:42 AM
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Keene's council just approved a major settlement that slashes Atmos Energy's requested rate hike by a staggering $30 million!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #PublicUtility #KeeneEnergy
Keene council approves Atmos Energy negotiated settlement and new tariffs
Council adopted resolution 2026-503 to approve the Atmos City Steering Committee settlement reducing the company's requested increase; staff said the settlement reduced the initial request by about $30,000,000 and the resolution carried on council vote.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 4:53 AM
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Keene's water and sewer operations are facing a staggering $1.4 million shortfall due to failing meters and rising electricity costs, prompting urgent action from city staff.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #KeeneUtilities #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityInitiatives #PublicFinance
Keene staff warn water and sewer funds face $1.4M shortfall; failing meters and higher electricity cited
Finance staff told council that water/sewer operations show an estimated $1.4 million gap driven by meter failures (unbilled usage), higher electricity costs, and planned CIP projects; staff said a TWDB grant for water-loss mitigation could reimburse meter replacements.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 4:42 AM
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Keene is on the brink of a job boom with two new manufacturing facilities poised to create up to 600 local jobs!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #KeeneIndustry #CitizenPortal #ManufacturingGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #JobCreation
Two manufacturing facilities eyed for Keene industrial park; city expects hundreds of jobs
Officials said two manufacturing facilities are moving forward in Keene's industrial park and, when operational, could create roughly 500–600 jobs; one prospective tenant is a bag and corrugated carton manufacturer and land-sale negotiations are ongoing.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2026 at 6:50 AM
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Keene's EDC board just approved a bold FY2027 budget, banking on a 12% revenue boost from two new businesses—but will it pay off?

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Keene EDC board approves FY2027 Type B budget after staff explains variances and assumptions
After staff explained variance lines, a $400,000 capital expenditure funded by cash and a revenue assumption of 12% tied to two incoming businesses, the board voted to approve the Type B FY2027 budget; concerns were raised about lower projected interest income and specific line-item changes.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2026 at 6:49 AM
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Keene is set to receive a $1 million grant for revitalizing its historic downtown, but new sidewalk projects may be left in the dust!

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Keene to receive $1 million downtown revitalization grant; scope shifted to historic core
City staff confirmed Keene will receive a $1,000,000 downtown revitalization grant but the state directed funds toward the historic downtown area, meaning some sidewalk connections planned elsewhere may not be covered; staff said the grant could be used for water and sewer infrastructure in the approved area.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2026 at 6:48 AM
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Texas Corrugated Box and Packaging is set to bring new life to Keene, projecting 40 initial jobs with an exciting growth potential of up to 200 as they expand their manufacturing operations!

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Packaging manufacturer outlines Keene expansion, projects 40 initial jobs and larger growth
Don Hepburn, president of Texas Corrugated Box and Packaging, told the Keene EDC board he plans a two‑building operation in Keene with initial hiring of roughly 40 workers and potential growth to 150–200 jobs; board members discussed infrastructure, workforce and incentives.
citizenportal.ai
July 15, 2026 at 9:33 PM
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Keene city officials are setting the record straight on social media claims, revealing crucial updates on audits, water meters, and police building costs that every resident needs to know!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #InfrastructureImprovements #CitizenPortal
Keene staff push back on social media claims; city outlines audit, water meter and fleet fixes
City leaders told the Keene City Council July 2 they are addressing misinformation circulating online and described concrete steps on audits, attorney fees, water-meter replacements and fleet purchases while urging residents to verify records with city staff.
citizenportal.ai
July 3, 2026 at 10:02 AM
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Keene is buzzing with excitement as Metal Plate joins the industrial park, paving the way for new jobs and economic growth!

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Keene welcomes Metal Plate as industrial-park work advances
Keene board members welcomed Metal Plate to the citys industrial park and city staff said the plat is complete and plans for widening and drainage work on County Road 317 will go out to bid, with a target completion by November.
citizenportal.ai
May 25, 2026 at 1:57 PM
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Keene's finance director reveals a remarkable 11% revenue increase, but warns of rising utility pressures as the city gears up for a $1 million downtown revitalization effort!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #KeeneDowntown
Keene reports revenue up; council awards engineering contract for downtown revitalization grant
City Finance Director Mara Lam reported year-to-date revenue about $4.9 million—roughly 11% over budget—and noted water/sewer pressures due to pump failures; the council also voted to award engineering and application services for a $1 million downtown revitalization grant to the highest-scoring firm, Jacob & Martin.
citizenportal.ai
May 9, 2026 at 8:23 AM
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Metal Plate is set to transform Keene's economy with a new hot-dip galvanizing plant, promising local jobs and vital support for the solar industry!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #IndustrialDevelopment #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #KeeneLocalJobs #SustainableEnergy
Metal Plate outlines galvanizing plant plan, promises local jobs and solar-industry work
Metal Plate representatives presented plans for a new hot-dip galvanizing plant in Keene, describing process safety and quality-control steps and saying the facility will supply galvanizing and solar piling components and bring "good paying jobs" to the area.
citizenportal.ai
May 9, 2026 at 8:21 AM
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The EDCB board has approved funding for solar parking-lot lights at Ellis Carver Park but is holding off on a controversial plan for trail bollard lighting due to concerns over vandalism and maintenance costs.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment
EDCB board approves parking‑lot lights for Ellis Carver Park, defers full trail bollard plan
After a vendor presentation on solar overhead lights and bollards, the board voted to fund parking‑lot lighting now (four lights) and to seek updated pricing for full trail lighting and overhead poles; members raised concerns about bollard vandalism and lifecycle costs.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 7:29 PM
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Keene ISD's $25 million bond proposal failed, but Superintendent Reece Stevens has a new strategy to empower voters with two split propositions—are you ready to weigh in on the future of our schools?

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #VoterOutreach
Keene ISD Superintendent Lays Out Reasons for Failed Bond and Plans to Refile Split Propositions
Keene ISD Superintendent Reece Stevens reviewed a failed $25 million bond, explained how I&S vs. M&O funding works, presented proposed projects (elementary classrooms, storm-shelter cafeteria, junior-high classroom conversions, gymnotorium) and said the district will return to voters with two propositions; key dates for calling the bond and voter registration were provided.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
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Keene just scored a $250,000 grant with no local match required, paving the way for exciting upgrades in infrastructure and downtown revitalization!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityResilience #KeeneDowntown #InfrastructureDevelopment
Keene receives $250,000 Resilient Community grant; council directs staff to pursue downtown revitalization funding
City Manager Don Seitz announced that Keene received $250,000 from a Resilient Community grant to support mapping of utilities, road studies, downtown designation and park improvements. Council gave direction to pursue a separate downtown revitalization grant and discussed early voting logistics and runoff scheduling.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 7:05 AM
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Tensions soared at the Keene City Council meeting as residents challenged the mayor's transparency, questioning the legality of actions taken during a controversial September session.

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Public criticizes council conduct after September meeting; city attorney says no illegality found
Public commenters at Keene's Nov. 6 council meeting criticized recent council conduct and the mayor's handling of a September meeting. The city attorney told the public the office opined there was no illegal action; several residents disputed that finding and one said he contacted television reporters.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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Keene City Council is gearing up for a game-changing $1 million downtown revitalization grant after securing a $250,000 resilient-community award, promising major upgrades to infrastructure and parks.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #InfrastructureMapping #CitizenPortal
Keene council directs staff to pursue $1 million downtown revitalization grant after $250,000 resilience award
City staff announced a $250,000 resilient-community grant and council gave consensus direction to apply for a downtown revitalization grant that offers roughly $1 million with a 5% local match. Council discussed potential uses for grant funds, including utility mapping, road and park improvements, and downtown designation.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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Keene, Texas, is weighing a potential tax cut that could lighten the financial load for residents—will the City Council choose to adopt a lower rate?

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #KeeneTexas #TaxRelief #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityBudgeting
City of King Council Approves 2025 Tax Rate of 0.828978
Council adopts 2025 tax rate while considering options for a lower rate.
citizenportal.ai
September 27, 2025 at 2:11 AM
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The Keene City Council has made a pivotal decision, adopting a new tax rate of 0.828978 that could reshape funding for local services!

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Council Votes 4 to 1 to Adopt Tax Rate of 0.828978 in City Meeting
City council approves tax rate of 0.828978 despite one dissenting vote.
citizenportal.ai
September 26, 2025 at 9:38 PM
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In Keene, Texas, a tiny 0.275-acre property has seen its tax payments skyrocket by over 135% in just five years, raising crucial questions about the financial strain on local taxpayers.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CityBudgeting #CitizenPortal #KeenePropertyTaxes
Tax Revenue from Small Property in Keene Increases Significantly Over Six Years
Keene's tax revenue rises sharply from a single small property over six years.
citizenportal.ai
September 26, 2025 at 9:37 PM