The Council will examine an ordinance on the tax exemption of nurseries

The Killeen City Council will consider an ordinance Tuesday that would grant property tax-exempt status to child care centers, as allowed under state law.

This item was discussed at a city council meeting last month and received support from both council members and those who spoke during citizen comments.

The property tax exemption was previously discussed in Bell County Commissioners Court, but was ultimately rejected.

Texas voters approved a ballot measure that gives cities and counties the ability to grant a 100% property tax exemption to qualifying child care providers. About 63.6% of Texans who went to the polls voted in favor.

The Texas State Legislature passed a law on November 7 of last year that gave counties and local municipalities the right to exempt child care centers from property taxes. This law came into force on January 1, 2024.

Proponents of the property tax exemption for child care argue that the sector has become a necessity in today’s economy and that the exemption would help businesses increase their workers’ wages because they have difficulty hiring.

The city council has the option of only offering a 50% property tax exemption instead of a 100% property tax exemption. But child care center owners must participate in the Texas Rising Star program and 20 percent of the children they serve must receive subsidized child care administered by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Bell County Commissioner Louie Minor argued that a child care exemption can make areas more attractive to out-of-towners. He said this would allow the city’s respective economic development corporations to help attract people wanting to move there.

At Tuesday’s meeting, there will also be a presentation from Killeen Regional Airport on air service development and an update on the rebranding.

There will also be an after-action report from the Rodeo Committee and a presentation of funds.

Other points to discuss include:

Installation of municipal court cameras for $69,551.

An application to the National Park Service for a land and water conservation fund for $8.3 million.

Design for a reused water irrigation project for the golf course irrigation project for $99,650.

Appointment of council members to various boards, commissions and committees.

The City Council meeting will be held Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 101 N. College St.

For those who cannot attend the meeting in person, it will be livestreamed and archived for viewing on the city’s website, KilleenTexas.gov. It will also be broadcast live on Spectrum Cable Channel 10.