City Council Meeting Recap - 07/14/26
Speaker: Heath City Manager Steven Alexander

Hello, I'm City Manager Steven Alexander with a quick update from the July 14 City Council meeting.

We began the evening by celebrating three extraordinary citizens. Chief Brandon Seery presented the Department of Public Safety Citizen Life Saving Award to Abby, Jade, and Grace Kirkland for their quick thinking and heroic actions on April 28 during an emergency on Lake Ray Hubbard involving a boat capsizing. Their courage serves as a reminder that anyone can make a life-saving difference, and we are proud to recognize them.

Council took an important step toward bringing Marsha's Happy Haven and the Terry Lane Trail closer to reality. A public hearing was held before approving a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that could provide up to $750,000 in matching funds for the projects.

As many of you know, Marsha's Happy Haven is proposed playground at our lakefront Terry Park to offer children and adults of all abilities a wonderful place to play and enjoy the outdoors. 

Earlier this year, Marsha’s Happy Haven received a generous private donation of $1.1 million towards the total project price of $1.7 to $2.2 million. If the state grant is awarded, this will help complete funding for the playground.

Council also approved authorizing an agreement with Kendig Keast Collaborative to provide professional consulting services to assist the City in an update of our Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. 

The purpose of this project is to ensure future development reflects the vision and goals of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan.

This update will modernize outdated regulations, improve consistency and efficiency, and provide clear standards to strengthen and preserve the character of our community while planning thoughtfully for the future.

Council also received the first presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and Plan of Municipal Services.

The proposed budget continues the City's commitment to maintaining strong financial reserves while investing in the priority services residents rely on every day, including public safety, street maintenance, parks and trails, the water plan to expand our supply and storage capabilities, and other essential City services. 

The budget reflects a balanced, responsible approach that supports Heath's current needs while protecting the City's long-term financial stability and ability to serve our residents.

In fact, over half of the budget is going to Capital improvements within the community.

As part of the process, Council called a public hearing for the proposed budget, which will be held during the July 28 City Council meeting. 

We encourage you to review the proposed budget, which is posted on the City website, and we welcome your input during the public hearing. If you have any questions about the proposed budget, please contact us at City Hall.

Thank you for staying engaged with your City government by watching this video and following the City on our socials. 

We look forward to keeping you updated as we continue building an exceptional future for Heath together. Have a great week!