The City Council of Keene, Texas, convened on July 24, 2025, for a budget workshop focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The meeting primarily revolved around financial discussions, including the need for additional data before making final decisions on budget allocations.

The session began with council members acknowledging the necessity of obtaining complete financial figures before proceeding with budgetary commitments. One council member emphasized the importance of a thorough cost comparison to ensure fiscal responsibility. The consensus was to defer any significant decisions until all relevant numbers, including final tax figures, were available.

A notable discussion point involved the calculation of costs associated with city projects. A council member raised questions regarding the treatment of resale income in the budget, seeking clarification on how it impacts the overall financial picture. This led to a constructive dialogue about the accuracy of budget figures, with council members working collaboratively to verify the correct total costs for the upcoming fiscal year. It was ultimately confirmed that the total estimated budget for FY 2025-2026 is $186,160, which includes funding for 29 vehicles.

The council also addressed the importance of maintaining proper preventive maintenance for city vehicles to manage fuel costs effectively. This discussion highlighted the practical implications of budget decisions on city operations.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved to agenda item number 7, where requests for future agenda items were discussed. One council member proposed an examination of the city's fee schedule for traffic tickets, suggesting a review of ticket amounts in comparison to surrounding cities. This proposal aimed to ensure that Keene's ticket fees remain competitive and relevant.

The meeting concluded without any executive session, and the council members expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts in addressing budgetary concerns. The next steps involve gathering the necessary financial data to finalize the budget and considering the proposed review of ticket fees in future discussions.