A public hearing has been scheduled for July 22, 2025, at 3 PM in the city council chambers, as announced during the Killeen City Council meeting on July 1. This hearing will allow residents to voice their opinions on the proposed budget, which will be available in both PDF and interactive online formats following the meeting.

However, the new meeting structure has sparked significant concern among citizens. During the public comment segment, resident Devon Bunks criticized the council for reducing the number of opportunities for citizen comments from over 100 last year to just 48 this year. He highlighted that the new 3 PM start time limits attendance for many working residents, particularly those employed by the largest nonmilitary employer in Killeen, who typically work until 4 PM or later.

Bunks expressed frustration over the extended wait times for citizens to speak, noting that attendees now often wait two to three hours before being allowed to comment. He pointed out that the council's decision to limit speaking time to three minutes for public hearings undermines the importance of community input on local issues. "Public hearings are the most important because they impact our community and sometimes our backyard," he stated, emphasizing that every minute of speaking time is crucial for residents.

The council's new structure, originally proposed by Councilman Solomon, has been met with skepticism, with Bunks urging the council to reconsider its approach. He argued that Killeen's unique and diverse population deserves more engagement and representation, rather than a one-size-fits-all model that may work in other municipalities.

As the council prepares for the upcoming public hearing, the community's call for more accessible and inclusive participation remains a pressing issue. The outcome of this discussion could shape future council meetings and the level of citizen engagement in Killeen.