Keller mayor details infrastructure, development work in annual city address

Keller Mayor Ross McMullin provided his State of the City address at the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 28 at The Bowden.

McMullin, who was elected as mayor in May, gave an overview of infrastructure, public safety, amenities and developments that are completed, underway or planned for the future in Keller.

Zooming in

McMullin said the city's priorities include putting people first, elevating family life, attracting vibrant development, demonstrating fiscal discipline, improving and maintaining sound infrastructure and expanding citizen engagement.

He said the city addressed a backlog of sidewalk repairs since he joined City Council six years ago and dedicated $3 million for trail construction for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2030-31.

McMullin mentioned the city is looking to connect its trail system to Milestone Park, located at 2836 Lyndhurst Way, with negotiations ongoing to acquire a portion of private property.

The city has $35.5 million planned for street improvements over the next five years. McMullin highlighted the Elm Street reconstruction project, which will widen and reconstruct the roadway, improve utilities and drainage and add parking and sidewalks, according to previous reporting. He said the $32 million project includes $8 million from an interlocal agreement with Tarrant County and the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.

“We wouldn’t be able to reach the level we are doing on Elm Street without their support,” he said.

McMullin also mentioned the Keller Water Tower rehabilitation project, saying it will look “fantastic” when finished.”

The outlook

McMullin said infrastructure issues don’t often grab headlines, but they are “vitally important” to the city.

He said the city is spending $875,000 on the Alta Vista water line project, which is part of an interlocal agreement with the city of Southlake. The cities share a 5-mile concrete water transmission main that is 40 years old.

According to previous city documents, $1.75 million in federal funding was secured for the project in fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. Keller was awarded a 50% matching grant, and both cities will pay 25%, or $875,000, for a total of $3.5 million. The initial funding will go toward the design and engineering of the replacement line.

The total project could cost up to $40 million.

“It is the water line that feeds Keller and Southlake, and if we don’t repair that line and begin that work now, we are talking on the cheap end a $40 million repair," he said. "It will escalate over time. The fiscally responsible thing to do is to begin that work.”

What else?

McMullin said 25% of the total city budget and more than 50% of the general fund go toward the police and fire departments. Council recently approved an 8% raise for both departments and dispatchers.

The Johnson Road Park playground and Keller Sports Park were other items McMullin discussed.

He said the city is looking to add new playground equipment at Johnson Road Park and mentioned Keller Sports Park opened in April after undergoing a $40.8 million renovation. The water fountain feature at the entrance to the sports park opened Aug. 22.

During the Oct. 20 City Council meeting, discussion centered around possibly creating a Keller Sports Authority board that could work with the Parks and Recreation Board and city staff on operations of games and tournaments.

“We want them to stay and play in Keller, so we're going to work on that,” McMullin said.