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A long-time Temple resident and AT&T engineer shares his inspiring journey and vision for community leadership, sparking discussions about the future of local governance.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvolvement #EducationImportance #TempleCommunity
Temple Resident Gary Smith Reflects on 28 Years of Community Involvement
Gary Smith discusses his 26 years at AT&T and desire to join city council.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2025 at 12:42 AM
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The City of Temple's recent council meeting has sparked major discussions around zoning changes and community concerns, including a controversial delay on the Crossley Veterans Center's future.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #TempleVeterans #CommunityInput
City planning board tables Crossley Veterans Center rezoning request amid community opposition
City planning board delays decision on Crossley Veterans Center rezoning for further discussion.
citizenportal.ai
July 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
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The Temple City Council just approved a major financing amendment that could unleash $124.49 million for vital infrastructure projects!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #EconomicDevelopment #PublicFinance #TempleInfrastructure
Council approves first reading of TIF financing amendment and $124.49M revenue bonds plan
Council held first reading and approved a financing-plan amendment for Reinvestment Zone No. 1 that updates FY2026 increments and contemplates TERS revenue bonds (~$124.49M) to fund infrastructure projects including Old Howard Road and industrial-park improvements.
citizenportal.ai
July 18, 2026 at 1:01 AM
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Temple's ambitious aquifer storage project promises to enhance water capacity, but rising public concerns about oversight and safety are igniting a heated debate.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #TempleWater #EnvironmentalImpact #WaterSafety #PublicAccountability
Temple presents ASR plan amid public concerns about data centers and Rowan'built well
City staff outlined an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) plan centered on a pre-drilled 'synergy' well the city says Rowan constructed and dedicated to Temple; multiple residents raised concerns about data-center water use, alleged nondisclosure agreements and aquifer safety during public comment.
citizenportal.ai
July 18, 2026 at 12:52 AM
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Temple City Council has just approved a groundbreaking $14.1 million contract for a state-of-the-art police training facility, marking the first major investment in law enforcement training in decades!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #LawEnforcementResources #CitizenPortal
Temple awards $14.11 million contract for police training classroom and indoor range
The city awarded a construction contract to Cloud Construction Company of Temple for a police training classroom and a roughly 18,000-square-foot, 10-lane indoor shooting range with related training spaces; funding will come from 2025 certificate of obligation bonds and construction is estimated at 17 months.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 8:05 PM
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Residents are raising alarm bells over water use and noise concerns at a recent council meeting, questioning the safety and transparency of data center projects in their community.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal #PublicComment
Residents press council on water, noise, ASR and transparency during extended public comment
Dozens of residents spoke at length about water resources, the ASR well, closed‑loop cooling, noise (including low‑frequency concerns), tax abatements and perceived lack of transparency; callers demanded pauses, independent audits, and stronger UDC protections.
citizenportal.ai
September 8, 2026 at 5:01 PM
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Temple's City Council is taking bold steps to regulate data centers, introducing strict new requirements that could reshape the industry landscape.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #TempleDataCenters #NoiseRegulation
Council adopts first reading of UDC changes to regulate data centers, adds 200‑ft minimum buffer and noise requirements
Council moved forward on UDC changes that redefine data‑center uses, require conditional use permits for principal data centers in industrial zones, set minimum setbacks and require acoustical plans and third‑party review; residents called for stricter setbacks and transparency.
citizenportal.ai
September 8, 2026 at 3:48 PM
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A hard-fought settlement with Atmos Energy will mean higher bills for residents, but saves the city over $30 million—find out how this impacts your wallet!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #TempleUtility #EnergyTransparency #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CommunityFinancials
Council approves Atmos Energy settlement in first reading; average bills to rise
City attorneys recommended a negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy that reduces the utility's requested systemwide revenue increase and the council approved the settlement's first reading; staff said the agreement would raise average residential bills by about $13.37 per month.
citizenportal.ai
September 8, 2026 at 2:43 PM
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City council takes a bold step forward by amending the TIF financing plan, paving the way for new infrastructure and municipal services tied to booming data-center projects!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #TempleInfrastructure #TaxReform
Council amends TIF financing plan and approves two TAR designations tied to data‑center projects
Council approved an amendment to the city's tax‑increment financing (TIF) plan and designated/expanded tax‑abatement reinvestment zones (TARs) to support infrastructure tied to data‑center development, directing increment revenue to fire stations, streets and municipal service payments.
citizenportal.ai
September 8, 2026 at 12:58 AM
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Despite strong objections from residents, Temple's council has moved forward with plans for a massive data-center campus that promises jobs and investment but raises serious concerns about noise and traffic.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment
Temple council clears first readings to allow Rowan’s Lasso data-center annexation despite resident objections
After a staff presentation describing Rowan’s multi‑phase data‑center plans and municipal protections, the council approved first readings, a voluntary annexation and rezoning for a ~316‑acre parcel tied to Rowan’s “Lasso” phase. Residents pressed officials about water use, ASR wells, noise and transparency.
citizenportal.ai
September 8, 2026 at 12:57 AM
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Temple council has approved a settlement that will reduce Atmos Energy's proposed rate hike, but residents can still expect a monthly bill increase of $13.37.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #EnergyRegulation #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #TempleResidents #CommunityFinancials
Temple council approves negotiated settlement with Atmos Energy; residents to see modest bill increases
The council approved a negotiated settlement between Atmos Energy and the Atmos City Steering Committee, which staff said would reduce Atmos's original request and raise the average residential bill by about $13.37 per month; the measure passed 5–0 on first reading and will require final ordinance adoption to take effect.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 12:35 PM
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Temple City Council has approved a proposed tax rate of $0.75, promising a decrease in average homeowner tax bills—what will this mean for your wallet?

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityTaxation #TempleTaxation #FiscalResponsibility
Temple council approves first reading of tax roll and sets proposed tax rate at $0.75
City staff presented the FY2027 tax roll and said the council approved the first reading and set a proposed tax rate of $0.75 per $100 of assessed value; council voted 5–0 on the first reading and on setting the rate, and final adoption is scheduled next week.
citizenportal.ai
August 22, 2026 at 12:29 PM
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The council has greenlit a major financial overhaul, reallocating $283.7 million for transformative projects that could reshape the community from 2026 to 2062!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #EconomicDevelopment #PublicFinance #TempleParks
Council approves TIF financing amendment and moves forward with bond sales to fund projects
Council approved a TIF financing plan amendment and related revenue bond sales that reallocate roughly $283.7 million to projects and authorized selling tax increment bonds and certificates to fund parks, land purchases and capital projects; bond sale proceeds and ratings were discussed during the presentation.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 10:18 PM
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Exciting changes are coming to the Shallowford corridor with a $300 million development that promises new neighborhoods, trails, and significant open space!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #WildlifePreservation #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #InfrastructureDevelopment #TempleParks
Council approves three related PD rezonings to allow 136‑acre single‑family development and trails
Council approved three planned‑development rezonings together that will enable about 136 acres near Shallowford Road to be platted into single‑family neighborhoods with collector roads, trails and parkland; staff and a nearby property owner described flood mitigation and trail commitments.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 10:23 PM
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The council just greenlit a groundbreaking $17.5 million financing plan for landfill and animal shelter expansions, alongside vital equipment upgrades—what does this mean for the community's future?

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #PublicFinancing #CitizenPortal #TempleLandfill
Council authorizes certificates of obligation, limited tax note and TIRZ bonds to fund landfill, equipment and TIF projects
Council approved a delegation ordinance for $17.5M COs, a $4.8M limited tax note for equipment, and authorized TIRZ bonds (roughly $124–125M) with staff and advisors explaining parameters, bid results and security pledges.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 10:20 PM
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Temple City Council just approved an incredible donation of nearly 179 acres for a new public park, potentially valued at $7.5 million, ensuring the beauty of nature is preserved for generations to enjoy!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CommunityVolunteers #PublicParkland
City accepts donation of about 178.7 acres for new park (Chatham Park) under conservation easement
The council accepted a donation of roughly 178.683 acres for park use, subject to a conservation easement with the Texas Land Conservancy; staff said the gift is valued at about $7.5 million and requires the park be named 'Chatham Park' or similar.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 10:20 PM
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Residents are raising alarms over a proposed easement that could pave the way for a massive power plant next to homes and a church, sparking fears about water supply and property rights.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #WaterSupply #CitizenPortal #EminentDomain #TempleResidents
Residents warn council about proposed Rowan easement, water use and potential takings
Several residents told the Temple City Council during public comment that easements and data‑center proposals tied to Rowan/Quinbrook raise questions about water use, eminent domain and council transparency. One speaker urged baseline testing and legal compliance before any work proceeds.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2026 at 10:17 PM
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Temple's proposed FY2027 budget of $337 million promises significant investments in public safety, new staffing, and infrastructure improvements—all while keeping the property tax rate steady.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CommunityTransparency #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Temple outlines FY2027 budget with $337M in all-funds spending; tax rate unchanged
City staff presented the FY2027 proposed budget within a six-year business plan, keeping the property-tax rate at 69.99' cents, proposing roughly $337 million in all-funds spending, adding public-safety and facilities positions, and flagging a $75.5 million capital request for 2027.
citizenportal.ai
July 18, 2026 at 12:56 AM
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The Temple City Council made significant strides in their recent meeting, approving major funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements with unanimous support.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CommunityTransparency #InfrastructureImprovements #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI
Votes at a glance: Temple City Council (July 25) ' consent, contracts, grants and delegations
The council approved the consent agenda (with two items moved for separate votes), accepted a TIF amendment on first reading, approved a TPWD grant application for Salmons Community Center, awarded a road-construction contract and delegated condemnation authority for a wastewater interceptor; several consent items carried with 4-0 votes and one abstention; most major items were unanimous.
citizenportal.ai
July 18, 2026 at 1:02 AM
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Temple City Council just took a major step towards expansion by approving the annexation of over 212 acres for Synergy Park and a crucial cleanup of Witter Lane!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #TempleIndustrial #CommunityInfrastructure
Council approves annexations to expand Synergy Park and bring Witter Lane into city maintenance
On first reading the council approved voluntary annexation of about 212.12 acres for Synergy Park expansion and separately approved a 1.63-acre cleanup annexation to bring Witter (Whitter) Lane into city maintenance oversight; both measures passed unanimously on first reading.
citizenportal.ai
February 7, 2026 at 5:20 PM
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Temple is booming with over $1.3 billion in new projects, driving job growth and an impressive 8% increase in taxable valuation!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #TempleEconomicDevelopment #TaxBaseIncrease #JobGrowth #InvestmentStrategy
EDC tells council Temple projects topped $1.3 billion; official cites job and tax-base growth
The Temple Economic Development Corporation reported an 8% increase in taxable valuation citywide, more than $1.3 billion in new projects announced last year and ongoing data center and manufacturing investment that the EDC says is driving job growth and higher wages.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 3:03 AM
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The Temple City Council has taken a significant step towards industrial development, approving a plan for a new data center that promises to reshape the landscape and address community concerns.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #NoiseRegulations #TempleIndustrial #CommunityInput
Council approves comp‑plan amendment and rezoning to allow light‑industrial/data‑center development
On first reading the Temple City Council approved a comprehensive-plan amendment and a rezoning to permit light industrial uses and a planned light‑industrial development (PDLI) for a roughly 260‑acre site; staff included setbacks, landscaping, photometrics and post‑construction acoustical testing as conditions and cited P&Z’s 8–0 recommendation.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 9:28 AM
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A new affordable housing development for seniors is on the horizon in Temple, with plans for 70 units and vital community amenities aimed at enhancing the lives of those 55 and older.

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CommunitySupport #AffordableHousing #SeniorLiving
Developer pitches 70-unit, 55+ affordable housing project and asks for council support on tax-credit application
JES Holdings presented a proposal for a 70-unit, age-restricted (55+) affordable housing development and requested a council resolution of support for its application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 9% tax-credit round.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 6:58 AM
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Big changes are coming to Temple as the Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board approves key contracts for major road and water projects!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning #TempleReinvestment #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Temple reinvestment board approves annual report and six project authorizations; multiple design contracts authorized
The Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board unanimously approved the annual report and recommended city-council authorization for professional-services agreements and contract amendments totaling several hundred thousand dollars for road, water and master-plan projects; staff also updated the board on downtown market completion and lighting outreach.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 8:48 AM
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Tracy unveiled the impressive financial results of Reinvestment Zone No. 1, revealing over $37 million in tax collections and a fund balance of $59.1 million!

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#TempleBellCounty #TX #EconomicDevelopment #FiscalTransparency #CommunityFinance #CitizenPortal
Tracy presents Reinvestment Zone No. 1 annual report; board approves
The Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board received the annual report for the year ended Sept. 30, 2025, which showed tax-increment collections of roughly $37 million and an ending fund balance of about $59.1 million; the board voted to approve sending the report to participating taxing entities.
citizenportal.ai
December 25, 2025 at 8:45 AM