City of Temple, Texas - City Government

City of Temple, Texas - City Government City of Temple, Texas

Temple residents can bring bulky household items to the Solid Waste Complex on Saturday, September 19, from 8 AM to 12 P...
09/02/2026

Temple residents can bring bulky household items to the Solid Waste Complex on Saturday, September 19, from 8 AM to 12 PM for our Bulky Item Disposal Event. This is a great opportunity to clear out items that are too large for regular trash collection, including furniture, mattresses, appliances, refrigerators and more.

The Solid Waste Complex is located at 2611 E. Avenue H. Temple residents will need to provide their address at check-in for proof of residency, and staff will direct you where to unload. Please bring help for large or heavy items. Boxes will be available on site if needed.

Please note that batteries, electronics, tires, household hazardous waste and brush will not be accepted at this event. Brush is accepted year-round, Monday through Friday, at the Solid Waste Complex.
(2611 E. Ave H, Temple, TX)

The Bulky Item Disposal Event will be offered twice a year in addition to the monthly bulky item pickup program.

Learn more at templetx.gov/bulkyevent

As Temple considers proposed data center development and economic development incentives, an important question is: How ...
09/01/2026

As Temple considers proposed data center development and economic development incentives, an important question is: How does the community benefit?

At full buildout, currently estimated in FY 2031, Rowan’s three proposed phases are conservatively projected to generate more than $40 million annually in revenue for the City of Temple, while the abatements are estimated to be approximately $14 million annually during the 10-year period.

The first phase is expected to be completed in 2029, with City revenues increasing as additional phases are completed.

The projected City revenue is in addition to other proposed community and economic benefits associated with the project, including:
▪️More than $30 million in proposed contributions from Rowan toward public infrastructure;
▪️Additional tax revenue for other local taxing entities; and
▪️A commitment by Rowan to create and retain 120 full-time jobs across the three phases.

This increased revenue from new development benefits Temple residents today by helping support essential City services and infrastructure, while also providing resources to address future needs and invest in the community as Temple continues to grow.

Economic development incentives are evaluated based on the project’s level of investment, commitments, community benefits, infrastructure needs, and long-term value to Temple.

➡️What is a tax abatement?

A tax abatement temporarily reduces a portion of a company’s property taxes. It does not mean the company pays zero property taxes; the unabated portion is still paid. The maximum term for a tax abatement is 10 years.

Companies must meet specific investment and performance commitments to receive an abatement. If those commitments are not met, the company will not receive, or may lose, the tax abatement benefits.

➡️What is being considered by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board on September 2?

On September 2nd, the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1 Board will consider an amendment to the existing tax abatement agreement authorized by the City Council in October 2025. TIRZ Board approval is required because a portion of the property is located within the TIRZ and a portion of the property tax revenue generated within the zone is deposited into the TIRZ fund.

The amendment is currently anticipated for consideration by the City Council on September 17th.

The proposed amendment strengthens the existing tax abatement agreement in three key ways:
▪️It prevents a company or affiliate that already has its own tax abatement agreement from also receiving benefits through another company’s agreement.
▪️It clarifies that temporary on-site electrical generation does not count toward the company’s required investment and is not eligible for tax abatement.
▪️It provides that a company may lose its abatement benefits if it continues relying on temporary on-site electrical generation for long-term power needs rather than transitioning to permanent grid service.

The proposed amendment does not:
▪️Reduce the company’s investment commitment.
▪️Extend the abatement period.
▪️Grant any new incentives.

➡️What is City Council considering September 3?

On September 3rd, the City Council will consider several items related to current and future data center development in Temple.
Council will consider proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) establishing development requirements for data centers, as well as amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances establishing requirements for Utility Service Agreements for certain industrially zoned developments or special utility projects.

Council will also consider the first reading of voluntary annexation and zoning requests for property associated with Rowan’s Phase 1B (Project Lasso). The proposed zoning is Planned Development–Light Industrial (PD-LI). Planned Development zoning allows the City to include and enforce development conditions for the property.

Additionally, Council will consider designating the property for Project Ranger (Phase 3) and Project Lasso (Phase 1B) as Tax Abatement Reinvestment Zones (TARZs).

A TARZ identifies an area that may be eligible for tax abatement. Designating a TARZ does not grant a tax abatement or make the property tax-exempt. Any abatements require a separate agreement and City Council approval.

Learn more about data center development in Temple at templetx.gov/datacenters.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Phase 8 of the South Pea Ridge Road Reconstruction Project will result in the full closure of South Pe...
09/01/2026

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Phase 8 of the South Pea Ridge Road Reconstruction Project will result in the full closure of South Pea Ridge and Hogan Road beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The closure is expected to remain in place until approximately Wednesday, November 4, 2026, weather permitting. To learn more and view the full Traffic Advisory, visit templetx.gov/news.

The Temple City Council will consider items related to data center development during the upcoming September 3rd regular...
08/28/2026

The Temple City Council will consider items related to data center development during the upcoming September 3rd regular City Council Meeting. Highlights include:

• Several proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) related to data center development
• An amendment to the City’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 38, Water, to include requirements for Utility Service Agreements for certain industrially zoned developments or special utility projects
• Voluntary Annexation and Zoning (Planned Development – Light Industrial) requests for property related to Rowan’s Phase 1B (Project Lasso)

Residents are encouraged to review the meeting agenda, attend, or watch the meeting to stay informed about these items by visiting templetx.gov/meetings.

Additionally, more information on data center development in Temple is available at templetx.gov/datacenters.

Temple City Council has adopted the FY27 Budget and five-year Business Plan, funding City services and infrastructure fo...
08/28/2026

Temple City Council has adopted the FY27 Budget and five-year Business Plan, funding City services and infrastructure for the coming year while providing a roadmap for longer-term investments.

Here are five things to know:

1. Property taxes: The FY27 rate is $0.7500 per $100 of taxable value. Despite the rate increase, the average City of Temple property tax bill is expected to decrease.

For example, with an average homestead taxable value of $190,512, the estimated City property tax bill would decrease by approximately $103.26 per year, or $8.61 per month. Individual tax bills will vary based on changes in each property's taxable value.

You can estimate your annual City tax bill with this formula:
Property tax amount = (0.7500) x (taxable value of your property) / 100

It is important to note that this calculation is only for the City's portion of the property tax bill. Other taxing entities, such as the school district and county, have their own tax rates. You can also visit bell.countytaxrates.com/tax, where you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, which also include county, school district, and other jurisdictions.

2. Public safety: $63.7 million, or 40.3% of General Fund expenditures, supports police and fire services. The FY27 Budget and five-year business plan prioritize public safety through the addition of more than 100 public safety positions, plans for three additional fire stations over the six-year planning period, and other investments to help meet the community’s public safety needs.

3. Streets & infrastructure: The six-year Capital Improvement Program includes $9 million for pavement preservation, $9 million for road reconstruction, and $193 million for water and wastewater infrastructure.

4. Utilities: To support reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste services, utility rates will be adjusted effective October 1, 2026, and reflected on November bills. These adjustments support maintenance, system improvements, equipment and reliable service.

Residential water and wastewater rates will increase with the actual impact varying based on usage, meter size, and other factors reflected on individual utility bills.

Residential solid waste base rates will increase by $2 per month (not including sales tax or additional bins), while commercial solid waste rates will increase by approximately 3%. Residents can visit templetx.gov/rates for a full list of water, wastewater, solid waste, and other utility fees.

5. Parks & recreation: In the FY27 Budget, $23.7 million is dedicated to Parks & Recreation, supporting park improvements, recreation programs, and community spaces.

The FY27 Budget takes effect October 1, 2026. You can learn more at templetx.gov/news.

Proposed updates to the City's Unified Development Code were presented at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on Au...
08/24/2026

Proposed updates to the City's Unified Development Code were presented at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on August 17. The UDC is the City's primary set of development regulations. It establishes the rules and processes for how land is developed, including zoning, subdivision of property, site design, landscaping, parking, buffering, drainage, and other development standards.

Updating the UDC does not approve a specific project. Instead, it updates the City's development regulations to guide how future projects are reviewed.

These proposed amendments would establish a consistent review process for future data center projects. Data center projects have always been subject to the City's zoning, engineering, utility, fire, building, and public review processes. The data centers under development were reviewed through the current zoning process where planned developments outlined project-specific standards to establish and address topics such as noise, lighting, landscaping, buffering, traffic, and site design.

The proposed amendments would apply to future data center projects by requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), even in zoning districts where data centers are otherwise permitted. This would provide an additional public review process and allow the City to require project-specific conditions, technical studies, and supporting documentation before a project could move forward.
The UDC Amendments will have a first reading and public hearing at the September 3 City Council meeting, followed by a second reading at the September 17 City Council meeting.

To learn more about this meeting or view the full agenda you may visit templetx.gov/meetings and for additional information related to data center development in Temple you can visit the Data Center Information Hub at templetx.gov/datacenters.

Behind every City Council meeting are decisions that help shape Temple’s future. From planning for continued growth to i...
08/20/2026

Behind every City Council meeting are decisions that help shape Temple’s future. From planning for continued growth to investing in essential services and infrastructure, here are a few of the highlights from the August 20 meeting:

💰 Planning for Temple’s future - Council held a public hearing on the first reading of an ordinance setting the FY 2027 property tax rate at $0.7500 per $100 of taxable value. Based on the average taxable homestead value, the estimated annual City property tax bill would be $1,428.84 for tax year 2026, as compared to $1,543.74 estimated tax bill for tax year 2025. Council also reviewed the City’s third-quarter financial results and continued discussions on the proposed FY 2027 budget and certified tax roll. The FY 2027 budget process is not yet complete. Council is scheduled to consider adoption of the FY 2027 budget at a Special Called Council Meeting on August 27 at 10 a.m.

🚧 Investing in infrastructure - Council approved the purchase of easements necessary for the Little River Road Project, an important step in advancing needed infrastructure improvements.

👮 Supporting Temple Police - Council authorized the City to apply for up to $200,000 in federal grant funding to support community policing efforts addressing the impacts of vagrancy and squatting.

🔥 Supporting Temple Fire & Rescue - Council approved changes to the classifications of certified firefighters, supporting the City’s continued investment in its public safety workforce.

🏘️ Planning for our neighborhoods - Following a community-driven planning process, Council approved the East Downs Neighborhood Plan, providing a framework to help guide future investment, development and improvements in the area. Thank you to the East Downs neighbors and community members who took the time to participate in the planning process and share their feedback. Your input helped shape the plan and priorities for the neighborhood.

Want to learn more? View City Council agendas and watch meeting recordings anytime at templetx.gov/meetings.

We know residents are eager to see the 24th Street Bridge reopen, and we want to provide an update on where the project ...
08/19/2026

We know residents are eager to see the 24th Street Bridge reopen, and we want to provide an update on where the project stands and what comes next.

The 24th Street Overpass and Pedestrian Improvements project began in 2024 and was nearing completion when concrete spalling was identified in February 2025. Bridge deck work was stopped, and additional engineering analysis was required before the bridge could safely reopen.

In May 2025, the City received an inspection report assessing the overall condition of the bridge. The spalling was identified as the major issue requiring further analysis, and the recommendation was to keep the bridge closed until the structural issue could be addressed.

A six-month engineering analysis was authorized in July 2025, with findings and recommendations received in December 2025. Over the following months, the City reviewed potential options, costs and impacts on residential and school traffic. During spring 2026 budget discussions, the City determined that repairing the bridge would be pursued to extend its life, and funding availability was confirmed in June.

The City then began working to secure a proposal for the repair design. Negotiations were completed in August, and the proposal is expected to go before City Council in September 2026.

What happens next?
▪️Repair design is projected to be completed in December 2026.
▪️Council authorization and award of a construction contract is tentatively projected for January 2027.
▪️Construction is currently estimated to take approximately one year due to the complexity of the repair, railroad permitting, and other factors.

Because these steps must occur before construction can begin, the City does not yet have a firm reopening date.

We recognize that this closure has lasted longer than originally anticipated and understand the frustration and inconvenience it has caused. Our priority is to ensure the necessary repairs are properly designed and completed so the bridge can safely reopen. We will continue providing updates as the project reaches its next milestones.

On August 17, the Planning & Zoning Commission considered and approved the following items for recommendation to the Tem...
08/18/2026

On August 17, the Planning & Zoning Commission considered and approved the following items for recommendation to the Temple City Council:

▪️Unified Development Code (UDC) Amendments related to Data Center Development
➡️City Council Public Hearing: September 3
➡️City Council Second Reading: September 17

▪️Zoning for Project Temple - Phase 1B (may be referred to as Lasso by Rowan) located in Synergy Industrial Park.
➡️City Council Public Hearing: September 3
➡️City Council Second Reading: September 17

▪️Approved by P&Z Commission: Plat - Synergy Industrial Park

It's important to note that the Planning & Zoning Commission's actions on the UDC Amendments and Zoning of Project Temple - Phase 1B (may be referred to as Lasso by Rowan) are not the final decision. These items will move forward to the Temple City Council for consideration at the public meeting dates listed above, where the final decision will be made. If an item is postponed, denied, or otherwise acted upon differently, we will provide an update.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed amendments and zoning cases, attend City Council meetings, and participate in the public meeting process. Meeting agendas, project information, and updates are available at templetx.gov/datacenters.

The Temple City Council has called a bond election for November 3, 2026, giving Temple voters the opportunity to conside...
08/17/2026

The Temple City Council has called a bond election for November 3, 2026, giving Temple voters the opportunity to consider funding for a new Sammons Community Center.

Proposition A will ask voters whether the City may issue up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for Sammons Community Center and levy taxes necessary to repay those bonds.

The proposed project would replace the existing Sammons Community Center, originally constructed in 1921, with a new facility designed to continue providing recreational, educational and gathering spaces for residents of all ages.

The existing Sammons Community Center is currently closed following structural evaluations that identified deficiencies in portions of the facility. Programs and activities have been temporarily relocated to Wilson Recreation Center and Gober Party House.

With Council's action, the proposition will now be placed before Temple voters. Voters will make the final decision on November 3.
In the coming weeks, the City will share additional factual information about the proposed project, the bond proposition, financial considerations, important election dates, and voting information.

To learn more, please visit templetx.gov/bond26.

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