Watauga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Watauga, TX public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Manager Retirement and Succession
The council met behind closed doors about City Manager Sandra Gibson's anticipated retirement and how to pick her successor — no action was taken, and the mayor joked 'she's not allowed to retire.'
Employee health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield
The city's health plan has a 137.7% claims loss ratio — it's paying out $1.37 for every $1 in premium. Instead of a 27% renewal spike, consolidating from four plans to three limits the increase to 5.3%, about $79,000 more per year.
Urgent facility repairs: police, animal shelter, library
The long-running air conditioning replacement at the Community Center is finally done. There were some hot stretches in workout rooms and offices during construction, but seniors and kids' areas never lost cooling.
Proposed $0.6058 tax rate for FY2026-2027
The Council set the ceiling on next year's property tax rate at $0.6058 per $100 valuation. The final rate can only be equal or lower, decided after public input. An average homestead pays about $1,353 in city taxes either way per the city's own figures.
FY2026-2027 WEDC budget
The proposed EDC budget projects flat sales tax revenue and a healthy $3.4 million starting fund balance, with money earmarked for park benches, food truck park support, and shop-local promotion. Residents can weigh in at the June 16 public hearing.
FY 2026-2027 WEDC budget
The proposed budget keeps sales tax revenue flat at $963,000, funds park benches and business retention programs, and leaves a $3.6 million fund balance. Adoption vote is July 21.
CCPD budget sustainability and shrinking fund balance
Sales tax revenue funding the crime district is flat while police personnel costs keep rising. The city is moving officers from CCPD funding into the general fund to stay above the required fund balance — and that can't go on forever.