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1 month ago

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.

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

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1 month ago

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.

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

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1 month ago

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.

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

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3 months ago

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.

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

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4 months ago

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.

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

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4 months ago

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.

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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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #PublicTrust #CivicAccountability

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4 months ago

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.

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

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6 months ago

City of King Council Approves 2025 Tax Rate of 0.828978 Council adopts 2025 tax rate while considering options for a lower rate.

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

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6 months ago

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.

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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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #KeeneTexas #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityServices

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6 months ago

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.

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

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6 months ago

City Council Discusses Rising Property Taxes and Home Valuation Impact Council members debate property tax rates and homeowner financial burdens amid rising valuations.

Keene's City Council is facing a financial storm as skyrocketing property values force tough decisions on rising taxes, leaving homeowners anxious about their future.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityFinancialStrain #KeeneHomeowners

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6 months ago

City Council Approves 3.5% Property Tax Rate Increase Amid Budget Discussions Council adopts tax rate increasing to 0.828978 following budget deliberations.

The Keene City Council's proposed property tax rate increase might sound alarming, but residents are actually set to pay less in taxes than ever before—find out why!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #KeenePropertyTax #CommunityCommunication #LocalGovAI

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6 months ago

Keane City Council Discusses Tax Rate and Upcoming Cultural Events Keane City Council addresses 2025 tax rate and plans for National Night Out event.

Keene's City Council is making pivotal decisions that will shape the community's future, from tax rates to exciting cultural events like National Night Out!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #KeeneCouncil #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CulturalCelebration #CommunityCohesion

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6 months ago

Keene City Council Holds Public Hearing on Proposed 2025 Tax Rate Council discusses proposed tax rate and sets vote date for September 25, 2023.

The Keene City Council is taking bold steps to enhance public safety and community engagement, with exciting plans for a new park and a budget that prioritizes the future of its residents.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovements

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6 months ago

Keene City Council Debates 2025 Budget and Fleet Leasing Proposal Council members express differing views on the proposed budget and vehicle leasing strategy.

The Keene City Council is at a crossroads, debating trust versus oversight in their proposed 2025 budget, raising crucial questions about fiscal responsibility and community services.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #KeeneBudget #FiscalResponsibility #TrustTransparency

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7 months ago

Company Partners with Advanced Fitness to Enhance Employee Wellness Program Company confirms continuation of wellness program with Advanced Fitness to improve employee fitness.

Keene city officials are taking bold steps to enhance employee wellness, partnering with Advanced Fitness to promote healthier living and save costs for the community.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #EmployeeHealth #CommunityWellbeing #WorkplaceFitness #KeeneWellness

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7 months ago

Keene City Council Establishes Employee Benefit Trust Fund to Reduce Insurance Costs Council unanimously approves creation of Employee Benefit Trust Fund to eliminate premium taxes.

Keene, Texas is taking a bold step to save taxpayer dollars by creating an Employee Benefit Trust Fund that could slash insurance costs by thousands!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #KeeneEmployeeBenefits #EmployeeSatisfaction #FinancialEfficiency #LocalGovAI

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7 months ago

City Council Debates Juneteenth Holiday Inclusion and Its Impact on Services Council discusses adding Juneteenth holiday amid concerns over service disruptions and employee time off.

The City of Keene is at a crossroads as council members debate whether to officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, weighing cultural significance against the potential impact on city services.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #GovernanceBalance #CitizenPortal #CulturalRecognition

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7 months ago

City Considers MASA Air Ambulance Coverage Plan for Employees City explores $7 per month MASA air ambulance coverage for employees and their families.

Keene city officials are weighing a game-changing air ambulance coverage plan that could save employees thousands on emergency medical transport—are you ready for the details?

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #KeeneEmployeeBenefits #EmployeeWellbeing

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7 months ago

Keene City Council Considers Healthcare Options for Employees from UnitedHealthcare and Curative Council reviews employee health plans from UnitedHealthcare, Texas Health Benefit Pool, and Curative.

Keene City Council is at a crossroads, debating substantial changes to employee healthcare that could save the city over $100,000!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #KeeneHealthcare #PreventiveCare #HealthcareCosts #EmployeeBenefits

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7 months ago

City Council Amends Personnel Policy and Approves Holiday Leave Changes Council unanimously approves amendments to personnel policy on probation periods and holiday leave.

Keene, Texas, is shaking up local governance with a new holiday schedule and revamped personnel policies that prioritize community values and employee fairness!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityValues #KeeneLocalGovernment #CivicTransparency #EmployeePolicy

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7 months ago

City Council Begins Meeting With Prayer And Pledge Of Allegiance City council opens session with prayer and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The City of Keene kicked off its Type A Board Meeting with a heartfelt prayer and a pledge to prioritize community welfare and development.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #LocalDevelopment #GovernanceTransparency #KeeneCommunity

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7 months ago

Keene Board Discusses Business Growth Strategies and Community Engagement Initiatives Keene City Board outlines plans for new business incentives and community interactions.

Keene's Board is paving the way for local business growth with $250,000 in infrastructure improvements and innovative community engagement strategies!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovements #CommunityEngagement #KeeneBusiness #LocalBusinessDevelopment

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7 months ago

Keene Celebrates Wes and Cheryl Shram's Contributions at Farewell Reception Community plans farewell event for Wes and Cheryl Shram, acknowledging their significant impact.

As Wes and Cheryl Shram prepare to say goodbye to their beloved community of Keene, their legacy of service and dedication will forever resonate in the hearts of its residents.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LegacyService #InfrastructureReadiness #KeeneCommunity

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7 months ago

Finance Report Shows Revenue Challenges Despite Tractor Supply Opening Sales tax revenue remains below budget, anticipating increases from new retailers.

Keene, Texas, faces a financial crossroads as city officials unveil a revenue shortfall, yet the recent opening of Tractor Supply sparks hope for a brighter economic future.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #KeeneEconomy #RetailGrowth #FinancialTransparency

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7 months ago

Community Center Hosts Reception Honoring Cheryl and West Shrine's Public Service Reception celebrates Cheryl and West Shrine's contributions to the city and nonprofits.

Keene is gearing up to honor local heroes Cheryl and West Shrine for their incredible public service—don’t miss the celebration on September 4!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #FinancialTransparency #PublicService #KeeneCommunity

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7 months ago

City of Keene achieves budget surplus and plans community Christmas event Keene reports a $383,885 revenue surplus and launches expanded Christmas festivities.

Keene's financial outlook shines with a $383,885 revenue surplus and exciting plans for an expanded Christmas Village Market!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #HolidayCelebrations #FinancialTransparency #KeeneCommunity #CommunityEvents

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7 months ago

City Council announces new lights for Pickleball Court and upcoming Chamber Luncheon City installs new lights at Pickleball Court and prepares for Chamber Luncheon on August 28

Exciting developments are lighting up Keene, from new pickleball court lights to a promising Chamber Luncheon that invites community engagement!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalEvents #CommunityDevelopment #RecreationEnhancement #KeeneCommunity

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7 months ago

Keene City Council approves independent audit for fiscal year 2024 amid financial concerns Council members express concern over previous accounting practices and advocate for effective oversight.

Keene City Council is shaking up its financial practices amidst concerns over accountability and transparency—could a new auditing firm be the key to better management?

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #AccountabilityInPublicSpending #CitizenPortal #FiscalResponsibility

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8 months ago

City Council conducts budget workshop despite absences of some members City Council holds budget workshop meeting with four members present; no actions taken.

The City Council of Keene is laying the groundwork for the 2026 budget, ensuring community needs take center stage despite some members being absent.

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #KeeneBudget #FiscalTransparency #CommunityInvolvement