Frequently Asked Questions

All dogs and cats over six months of age living in Killeen must be spayed or neutered. There are limited exceptions for competition and breeding animals.

Please refer to the Animal chapter of our City Code of Ordinances.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip that is implanted under an animal's skin that transmits an identification number to a scanner. All dogs and cats over four months of age living in Killeen must be microchipped. There are limited exceptions.

There is no ordinance limiting the number of animals allowed per household within the City, but there are restrictions regarding animal housing enclosures.  Please refer to Sections 6-40 of the City of Killeen Code of Ordinances for more information. 

Please refer to Section 6-158 of the city ordinance in regard to the keeping and care of miniature swine.

Rabbit hutches and other small animal pens are required to be at least 50ft from all residences other than the home of the animal’s owner

Up to 8 hens are allowed to be kept per residence provided that the hens are confined in a coop that is no less than 25 feet from any habitable structure on a neighboring property.  Roosters and all other fowl are prohibited in residential zoning districts

Dogs must be on a leash any time they are outside of a fenced-in yard.

Call Animal Services, and tell them where the dog is, the color of it and whether you are able to hold the dog for animal control to pick up from your residence. If at all possible, please bring the animal to the shelter.

According to Chapter 6, Section 43 of the City of Killeen Code of Ordinances, animal cruelty consists of but is not limited to: 

*Causing or permitting combat between animals or between animals and humans

*Any type of surgery performed by a person other than a licensed veterinarian (i.e., ear cropping, tail docking, dewclaw removal, etc.)

*Failing to provide water, shelter, or sufficient food to an animal

*Failing to provide proper veterinary care

*Confining an animal in a motor vehicle, conveyance, or trailer in such a way or for a period of time that may endanger the health, safety, or well-being of the animal

*Tying, chaining, tethering, or staking a dog under conditions or for a period of time that may endanger the health, safety, or well-being of the dog

Call Animal Services at 254-526-4455 and give the address where it is taking place and what you saw. If you can, take a picture to document the incident.

With the exception of community cats under the care of a permitted cat colony caregiver, all cats are required to be restrained on their owner’s property.  Cats that are not a part of an active TNVR program are required to be restrained to their owner’s property.  Please refer to Sections 6-39 and Article V. – Community and Free-Roaming Cats of the City of Killeen Code of Ordinances for more information

Reports of animal bites are mandatory per both City ordinance and State law.  If you are bitten by an animal, please contact Animal Services at 254-526-4455

All animals impounded at Killeen Animal Services are viewable on the City’s website within one hour of being processed.  You can view the animals currently held at Animal Services by clicking the “Lost & Found” link on our page.  However, we encourage citizens to come to Animal Services to check for their animals in person whenever possible.  We also recommend searching local lost and found animal pages on social media to see if your animal has been found by a citizen and not yet reported to Animal Services.

Microchips with current owner information are required by City ordinance and will ensure your animal is returned to you when the animal is turned in to Animal Services.  Animals are also required to wear collars with their rabies tags attached, which is another way to ensure they make it home safely.  We highly recommend attaching an identification tag to your pet’s collar in addition to the rabies tag as well.”

You can bring the deceased animal to Animal Services and they will incinerate the body for a fee. You will not be able to collect the ashes.  If you would like more information with cremation services, our office would be happy to provide that to you.  

You have to go to Killeen Municipal Court at:

200 E Avenue D
Killeen, TX 76541

In order to adopt an animal from Animal Services, you will need to provide a state-issued photo identification, be willing to sign an adoption contract, and pay any fees required for the adoption of the animal.

The Killeen Citizen's Police Academy is a 48 hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of the police department. The academy was created in order to provide information to the citizens so that they may make informed judgments about police activities. This will increase awareness of the Killeen Police Department and help to dispel misconceptions that the community may have about the department.

The Killeen Police Department offers two 12 week sessions each year, a spring session and a fall session. Classes are held once a week on Monday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. The class also participates in a Range Day which is held on one Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during each session.

Topics covered include:

• Bicycle Unit
• Crime Prevention
• Crimes Against Persons and Juveniles
• Crimes Against Property
• Criminal Investigation Division
• Gangs
• K-9
• Legal Issues
• Officer Training
• Patrol Division
• Traffic Unit
• Weapons

Students also have a 4-hour ride-along with a uniformed police officer.

The academy is open to anyone age 18 and over who lives in or is employed within the city limits of Killeen. Applicants must submit and undergo a criminal history check.

Students completing the 12 week instructional course may elect to join the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association.

They patrol neighborhoods and act as eyes and ears for the police department.

They are housewives, students, teachers, professionals, blue collar workers, working and retired people. The key word is people just like you!

There is an application process, a background check, 8 hours of classroom training and at least one ride-a-long with a uniformed Killeen Police Officer.

They are not vigilantes, they are not armed (concealed weapon permits and weapons are left at home!). They do not take action other than to observe and report immediately to the police department In short, they are not out to get revenge or make arrests. They are visible, effective and a deterrent to criminal activity.

Do not fill your container above the rim such that the lid will not close. A closed lid helps prevent litter, odor, and spillage when the container is lifted for dumping. If the container is overloaded, an Overloaded Container Fee of $10.00 will be charged to your monthly bill.

To request an additional containers, call the Solid Waste Division at 254-501-7785. There is a one time administrative fee of $20.00. Additional containers may be acquired by paying the monthly base fee for the additional container(s) requested.

Your monthly garbage fee is based on the number of containers issued to an address. Containers are assigned to an address by serial number. This serial number is hot stamped on the container. 

Place typical household garbage in the container. Examples of what not to place in the container are: 

• Dead Animals
• Flammable Liquids or Solids
• Hazardous Materials
• Hot Ashes
• Medical Waste (Exposed Needles)
• Motor Oil
• Paints
• Solvents

In the interest of container cleanliness, we encourage you to use plastic bags for your garbage and to periodically clean out the container with water. Do not pack trash in your container too tightly or place objects of such length that could lodge against the sides of the container, thereby preventing or impeding the emptying of your container.

The container shall be placed at the curb not earlier than 8 p.m. prior to your collection day, but no later than 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Remove your container from the curb and return to storage not later than 9 p.m. on your collection day. Do not leave your container at the curb. Containers observed to be on the street at time not allowed shall be removed by city employees and placed near the front edge of the residence or near the garage area. A fee of $10.00 will be charged for this service.

Excess garbage may be placed in plastic bags only (no boxes), and placed at curbside at least four feet from your container. The vehicle operator will reload the excess bags of garbage into the container for dumping. An Excess Garbage Fee will be assessed, up to a maximum of two reloads per collection day, and this fee is $10.00 per reload. Your monthly garbage account will be billed for the extra fees.

Use services as explained under "Special Collection Services." Take the waste materials to the Transfer Station and use your free disposal per calendar month for up to 500 pounds.

The roll-out containers are the property of the City of Killeen and must not be painted, marked, abused, mutilated, altered, or modified in any way. Abuse and damage to a container by citizens shall result in an assessment equal to the replacement cost of the container and / or time and materials involved to repair such container. Examples of abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Overloading the container beyond the rated weight capacity of the container
• Fire damage caused by hot coals and / or ashes
• Painting or marking the container in any manner
• Failing to follow the proper care and use instruction for the container

If the container is damaged or stolen, the following policy applies:

• If the damage is your fault, you will be required to pay for a replacement. For example, any container that is destroyed by hot ashes or coals shall be the responsibility of the customer, and it shall be replaced at the customer's expense.
• If the container is stolen from your residence at a time other than when it should normally be out for collection, you will be required to pay for a replacement. A stolen container must be reported to the Police Department and the Solid Waste Division. However, if the city damages your container, or it is stolen while out on a collection day, your container will be replaced at no cost to you.

Backflow occurs when water flow is reversed from its intended direction and, by way of a cross connection, is pushed or siphoned back into the drinking water system. Backflow can occur by the following mechanisms:

• Backsiphonage - The pressure in the drinking water system is lowered. This type of backflow can result from water line flushing, fire fighting, or water main breaks.
• Backpressure - The pressure in a customer's piping system is greater than that of the drinking water system. This primarily occurs in commercial applications involving pumps, high rise buildings, or boilers.
• Examples:
  • A garden hose submerged in a bucket of soapy water, hot tub, or swimming pool creates a cross connection. This allows the contaminated water (soapy water or chemically treated hot tub or pool water) to be backsiphoned into the water system.
  • Water containing lawn chemicals is backsiphoned into the water system by way of a lawn irrigation system.

If a cross connection exists and backflow occurs, contaminants can be drawn back through pipes and into the drinking water system. This has the potential to pollute drinking water and create a potential health hazard. Examples:

• A garden hose is submerged in a bucket of soapy water. A water main breaks down the street, lowers water pressure, and soapy water from the bucket is backsiphoned through the hose and into the water system (backflow). At the same time, someone at the residence pours a glass of water from the kitchen faucet. The soapy water flows back out the kitchen faucet, creating a contaminated glass of water.
• A sprinkler head from a lawn irrigation system sits in a puddle of water containing fertilizer (cross connection). Two blocks down the street, firefighters connect to the water system to fight a fire and water pressure is lowered. The puddle of water containing fertilizer is backsiphoned through the sprinkler head and into the water system (backflow.) Meanwhile a neighbor is taking a shower. The fertilizer-contaminated water flows back through the water system and out the neighbor's shower head.

The easiest way to avoid backflow is to eliminate cross connections between the drinking water system and contaminants. Sometimes cross connections cannot be avoided. In these cases, the installation of a backflow prevention device will stop backflow. Examples:

• Avoid creating a cross connection when filling a bucket, hot tub or swimming pool. By leaving a gap between the hose and the water in the container, you eliminate the cross connection and the possibility of backflow.
• Install a backflow prevention device between the lawn irrigation system and the drinking water system to prevent backflow.

A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical valve arrangement, which prevents the reversal of water flow, once it has passed through the valve. There are different types of backflow prevention assemblies for different situations and different degrees of hazard.

Anytime a connection to the water system is made, the City's Backflow Prevention Division should be contacted to determine backflow prevention requirements. The Backflow Prevention Division is open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. They can also be reached by calling 254-501-6500, ext. 4. A backflow prevention assembly may be required if you have a:

• Carbonation system
• Chemical feed
• Fire suppression system
• Lawn irrigation system
• Swimming pool or spa
• Water feature such as an ornamental fountain or fish pond

Underground Lawn Sprinklers / Irrigation Systems

The City of Killeen requires all underground lawn sprinkler / irrigation systems to have either a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or a reduced pressure zone assembly (RPZ) on all new installations. If there is an old double check in place, it is acceptable as long as it passes the test, once if fails or needs repair, it must be replaced with a PVB-where applicable or an RPZ. City code prohibits any type of cross connection which could endanger the water system.

A Certified Backflow Assembly Tester is someone who has completed a state-approved, 40-hour training course in backflow prevention assembly testing and has passed a proficiency test to prove his/her knowledge. Many plumbing, fire sprinkler, and lawn irrigation companies, as well as backflow prevention testing companies, are listed in local telephone directories and provide testing services in the Killeen area. Water Customers can contact Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI) for a list of companies offering the services of Certified Backflow Assembly Testers at:

Water Customers Customer Service

• Phone: 888-966-6050
• Email: support@backflow.com
• Fax: 888-414-4990
• Mail: PO Box 246, Worth, IL 60482

Backflow prevention assembly testing is done by private companies who set their own rates. Testing costs vary, so getting quotes from several companies is recommended.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, mandates the City of Killeen establish and maintain a cross connection control program. The City of Killeen Ordinance states the City will terminate water service should a property owner fail to comply with cross connection/backflow regulations. This includes testing and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.

Types of Backflow Prevention

• Air Gap (AG): An AG is a physical separation between the end of the discharge pipe and the flood level rim of the container being filled. The separation must be two times the diameter of the opening of the discharge pipe. This is the highest form of protection, since the drinking water supply is physically separated from the container.
• Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): An AVB is a non-testable device consisting of an air inlet valve or float check, a check seat and an air inlet port(s). This device is designed to protect against a non-health hazard or a health hazard under a backsiphonage only.
• Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA): The DCDA is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two DCVAs, one that is line sized to provide full flow characteristics and one which is smaller (either half or three-quarter inches) located on a detector line. It is used for services having non-health hazards and under conditions of backpressure or backsiphonage, usually for fire suppression systems.
• Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): A DCVA is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two internally loaded, independently operating, check valves together with tightly closing resilient seated shut-off valves upstream and downstream of the check valves. It is used for services having non-health hazards and under conditions of backpressure or backsiphonage, usually for fire suppression systems.
• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): A PVB is a mechanical valve assembly that includes a check valve, which closes with the aid of a spring when water flow stops. It also has an air inlet valve, which opens when the internal pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, preventing backsiphonage. It is used for services having either health hazards or non-health hazards and no backpressure conditions; it is typically used on irrigation systems.
• Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA): The RPDA is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two RPs, one that is line sized to provide full flow characteristics and one which is smaller (either half or three-quarter inches) located on a detector line. The RPDA is used on fire suppression systems which pose a health hazard.
• Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RP): An RP is a mechanical valve assembly consisting of two internally loaded, independently operating, check valves and a mechanically independent, hydraulically dependent relief valve located between the check valves. It is used for services having either health hazards or non-health hazards and under conditions of backpressure or backsiphonage and gives the highest level of protection among the mechanical backflow prevention assemblies.

Yes, a plumbing permit is required to install a backflow prevention assembly. Permits can be obtained Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through the City's Permit Department at:

100 E Avenue C
Killeen, TX 76541

For permit fee information, contact the Permits Department at 254-501-7762.

The property owner, a licensed plumber, or a landscape contractor licensed to install backflow prevention devices. A plumbing permit is required.

Backflow prevention assembly installation is done by private companies who set their own rates. Installation costs vary, so getting quotes from several companies is recommended.

Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that wear out. Regular testing is required to ensure backflow prevention assemblies are functioning properly and have not been bypassed. A visual check of air gap assemblies is sufficient, while mechanical assemblies must be tested with special equipment.

All backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least annually and immediately following any repair, maintenance, or relocation. Assemblies that repeatedly fail may require more frequent testing or replacement.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the assembly is in good operating condition. A person who is state certified in backflow assembly testing must perform the test and submit the results to Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI). If any repair work or maintenance is performed, the assembly must be retested immediately. All test results must be submitted to Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI). The Certified Tester should mail, email, or submit online the original test results to Backflow Solutions, Inc (BSI):

Testing Customers Customer Service

• Phone: 800-414-4990
• Email: bsionline@backflow.com
• Fax: 888-414-4990
• Mail: PO Box 246, Worth, IL 60482

You can pay the following bills online:

• Pay your court fines
• Pay your utility bill 

For more information on paying the hotel occupancy tax, visit http://www.killeentexas.gov/finance

Garbage collection falls under the Solid Waste department. Your neighborhood has an assigned "trash day." Garbage collection runs daily as scheduled, even on holidays. We have a transfer station where you can take your large items and any garbage you want to get rid off before your regular trash day. If you are interested in recycling, we also have a recycling center.

Streetlight outages can be reported online to ONCOR or by calling 888-313-4747.

Streetlight outages can be reported online to ONCOR or by calling 888-313-4747.

City Hall is located at:

101 N College Street
Killeen, TX 76540
Phone: 254-501-7600

The Golf Course is located between Skylark Field and Roy Reynolds Drive at:

1600 Stonetree Drive
Killeen, TX 76541

Permits are provided by the Building Inspections.  Click here to take you to the get more information and forms needed. 

The County Tax Assessor-Collector is the Voter Registrar for Bell County.

Killeen's fire stations.

You can access our library HERE.

Our Parks and Recreation division hosts a number of sports events and offers a host of classes throughout the year.

The city itself does not operate a public transportation system. Hill Country Transit District (HCTD) operates the HOP, a regional public transit system.

You can contact various city departments via our Report a Concern page. It lets you track any communication you enter on this site.

Please fill out the Notice of Claim form (PDF) and submit it with required proof to the Risk Management Division for processing.

You can obtain copies of previously issued licenses and certificates at the state's vital records department. 

You can get information on marriage licenses from Bell County.

The State of Texas Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses.

The State of Texas Department of Transportation handles vehicle registrations.

Fill out a Permit Application and return it to the City Secretary, City Hall. 

You can apply at the Killeen- Bell County Annex located at 307 Priest Dr. For questions call (254) 933-5318. 

The City of Killeen has it outlined on www.KilleenTexas.gov/WaterConservation, as well as the Code of Ordinances, that vehicle washing may be done at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash or commercial service station. This is because they conserve year-round.
More than 60% of water at car washes is reused/reclaimed water that filters out all of the sediment and gets reused.
Unlike hand washing your car at home, where almost all the used water is wasted and chemicals end up in your yard or septic system, car washes have a responsibility to conserve water and protect the environment. They follow strict measures under the Environment Protection Agency. Residents who wash their cars at home use much more water than what is used at a car wash.

(Note: A typical restaurant uses 3,000-7,000 gallons/day, versus a car wash that uses 500-2,000 gallons/day)

Yes, there are penalties and they are all outlined in our Code of Ordinances on our website at www.KilleenTexas.gov/Ordinances. We do hope no one would need to be fined, only warned, though. We appreciate citizens helping identify anyone who may be in violation (including us-- the local/city government)! Citizens can call (254) 501-6319, which is our 24 hour water and sewer hotline and the concern will be addressed. 

No, the City of Killeen is unable to reduce billing costs, BUT when citizens conserve, they get a reward of a not only a better environment, but a much lower water bill and more money in their pockets.

We appreciate citizens who think about others (today and future generations) and try their best to conserve this precious resource-- water.
 
 -Reducing our water usage reduces energy, which leads to SAVING MONEY and helps to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
 
 -Reducing water usage also keeps our communities safe: Firefighters, hospitals, gas stations, street cleaners, etc. all require large amounts of water to provide services to the community.
 
 -And if we make it a habit to conserve year round, we can appreciate the beautification that water conservation efforts have for our surroundings, like watering lawns, trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens, and filling public fountains at parks, etc.
 
***Please note-- there are penalties for violations, as outlined in our Code of Ordinances (www.KilleenTexas.gov/Ordinances). 

Here’s how everyone can do their part: 

To reduce your water usage by 10% and help our planet:

 -Only use water for normal use (cooking, washing, etc.) 

-Do not use water for watering landscaped areas with sprinkler systems, washing motor vehicles, and filling swimming pools, unless it is during designated watering periods

-Never use your toilet as a waste basket

-Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth

-Take short showers instead of tub baths

 -If you must bathe in a tub, fill the tub only half full

-Detect and repair all leaks in irrigation systems

-Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal

-Operate the dishwasher only when completely full

 -Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine

A permit fee is due when you apply for the STR permit. Permits must be renewed annually.
Short-Term rental permits 1st year: $200 – includes initial inspection fee 
Short-Term rental permit renewals: $100
Killeen’s STR permit fee is waived for applications received by May 31, 2024.

Yes. Payment of Hotel Occupancy Tax is required when operating a short-term rental. You must file taxes monthly, even if it is a zero return.

• Texas Comptroller collects the 6% for State tax
• Bell County collect the 2% for the County tax https://www.bellcountytx.com/county_government/commissioners_court/hotel_occupancy_tax.php

Yes. All short-term rentals must be inspected prior to issuance of a permit or renewal of a permit to ensure the rental follows minimum health and safety requirements for use and occupancy.

An owner who desires to use its premise as a short-term rental, must have a valid, active short-term rental permit from the city prior to using, allowing the use of, or advertising the use of the premise as a short-term rental.

Failure to obtain permit is a violation of the City of Killeen Code Ordinances (operating without a license) and may result in enforcement action, including citations and fines.

You must maintain at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) in liability insurance, which must include personal injury liability, for the duration of your permit. You must provide proof of insurance for each STR property. Your permit will not be issued until you provide proof of insurance. The City may choose to deny your permit application if you do not provide proof of insurance.

There are many good reasons why local government leaders are focused on finding ways to manage the rapid growth of short-term rental properties in their communities. To name a few:
• Increased tourist traffic from short-term renters has the potential to slowly transform peaceful residential communities into “communities of transients” where people are less interested in investing in one another’s lives, be it in the form of informal friend groups or church, school, and other community-based organizations.
• Short-term renters may not always know (or follow) local rules, resulting in public safety risks, noise issues, trash, and parking problems for nearby residents.
• So-called “party houses,” i.e. homes that are continuously rented to larger groups of people with the intent to party, can severely impact neighbors and drive down nearby home values.
• Conversion of residential units into short-term rentals can result in less availability of affordable housing options and higher rents for long-term renters in the community.
• Local service jobs can be jeopardized as unfair competition from unregulated and untaxed short-term rentals reduces demand for local bed & breakfasts, hotels, and motels.
• Towns often lose out on tax revenue (most often referred to as Transient Occupancy Tax / Hotel Tax / Bed Tax or Transaction Privilege Tax) as most short-term landlords fail to remit those taxes even if it is required by law.2
• Lack of proper regulation or limited enforcement of existing ordinances may cause tension or hostility between short-term landlords and their neighbors.
• The existence of “pseudo hotels” in residential neighborhoods (often in violation of local zoning ordinances, etc.) may lead to disillusionment with local government officials who may be perceived as ineffective in protecting the interests of local tax-paying citizens. Source from Granicus.

If an issue relates to noise ordinance violations or criminal activity, we encourage you to contact Killeen police non-emergency line at (254)501-8830 or 911 if the situation is an emergency. If the issue relates to code enforcement issue, contact Code Enforcement at (254)501-7608.

• The owner's legal name, date of birth, contact number, both physical and mailing addresses, and email address.
• If the short-term rental is to be operated or managed by someone other than the owner, the name, date of birth, contact number, both physical and mailing addresses, and email address for a responsible party with day-to-day authority and/or control over the short-term rental.
• The signatures of the owner and other responsible party, if any, agreeing and acknowledging that they are jointly responsible for the compliance by the occupant and any guests with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term rental, and for any unreasonable noise, disturbances or disorderly conduct by the occupant and/or guests while utilizing or while on the property of the short-term rental
• Payment of the fee established by the City Council.
• If any information required changes, a responsible party shall promptly advise the City & Avenu.
• Short-term rentals are not a grandfathered use. All short- term rentals in the City must have a permit to operate.
• A short-term rental permit expires the last day of the month you received your permit each year.

Yes. Short-term rental is any residential property rented wholly or partly for a fee for a period not longer than 29 consecutive days. If you are renting out both sides of a duplex as separate rentals, you must have an Avenu account number and permit for each side. The same is true if you are renting separate rooms in one property as individually available listings.

Convention and Visitors Bureaus typically use hotel occupancy tax revenue to fund various tourism-related initiatives, including marketing campaigns to promote the destination, supporting convention and event planning, improving tourist attractions, enhancing infrastructure like public facilities, and sometimes funding arts and cultural programs that attract visitors. The specific usage can vary depending on local regulations.

If you’ve ever neglected to pay city taxes you collected for your short-term rental, you are required to pay back taxes to the City of Killeen, whether they stem from a decade ago, fifteen years ago, or just a few months back. Starting from May 1, 2024, Hotel Occupancy Tax is due for all STR rentals since May 1, 2024, whether or not you collected the tax from the renter. For every month since May 2024, if your property was listed or rented, you must file a Hotel Occupancy Tax return.

The City is waiving penalty and interest for STR Property Owners filing back to October 2023 if the taxes are filed and paid by May 31st. Note: this applies to filing taxes you collected back to October 2023. If you did not collect Hotel Occupancy Tax for rentals between Oct 2023 and April 2024, you do not have to file a return. If you DID collect the tax, you MUST remit it to the City. The online filing system automatically calculates penalties and interest. To get the penalty/interest waiver, file on paper and remit to Avenu. You can download forms from Avenu’s website. There are no penalties on zero returns, whether filed online or on paper.

Hotel Occupancy Tax is due by the last day of the month following the end of the filing period. For example, May taxes are due by June 30th.

Yes. You must file a tax return every month. If you don’t have any rentals for a particular month, you should file a zero return.

Any amount you collect from the renter is taxable EXCEPT a security deposit and a platform fee retained by the platform, such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Flipkey, etc. This means the room rate, cleaning fee, pet fee, etc., are all taxable.

TAX: Yes. The tax form allows exemptions for stays by Permanent Residents, Diplomatic Personnel with Tax Exemption Card, Federal or State Employees traveling on official business, Federal or State Military personnel traveling on official business. You must retain written proof of exemption status.

PERMIT: No. There are no exemptions to having a permit if the property is available for rent for less than 30 consecutive days. If you register for your permit in May 2024, the permit fee ($200) is waived.

Yes. You must apply for your permit by May 31st. You can continue to rent while your permit application is in review, pending inspection.

No. At this time, the City has not implemented any zoning or saturation limits on STRs.

Toll Free Phone: (866) 240-3665 or Email: supportmuni@avenuinsights.com.

https://texaslodging.com/ 800-856-4328. You may contact Garrett Coppedge (presenter) directly at 512-474-2996.

Yes. With each permit application you must submit proof of insurance for the property, with a minimum coverage of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) in liability insurance, which must include personal injury liability. The insurance must be active for the full term of the permit. If you did not include insurance proof with your permit application, Avenu will follow-up to request the required documentation. Your permit will not be issued until you provide proof of insurance. The City may choose to deny your permit application if you do not provide proof of insurance.

•  Career & Self Development
• Communication      
• Critical Thinking
• Equity & Inclusion
• Leadership
• Professionalism   
• Workplace Culture
• Policy and Safety
• Teamwork
• Technology

• Applicant must be between the ages of 14 - 18 by June 1st of the year of the participation.
• Must reside in Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville, or Fort Cavazos
• Must have a valid/current school year student ID or Report Card, or a valid Texas ID
• Must have a Social Security Card

To apply for the current employment session, please click the link below (City of Killeen Job Opportunities Link). The program application will be titled Killeen Youth Empowerment Program- Seasonal Youth-Hire.

The program will be no more than 8-weeks.

Pay will vary from each session. Youth hires will be paid at or above the legal minimum wage.

Youth hires will work Monday through Fridays. Hours will be no more than 20hrs per week. The 20hrs will not be guaranteed. Youth will typically work from a shift of 8am -12pm or 1pm to 5pm.

To provide a meaningful work experience for youth hires, we partner with several city departments to help place young people in meaningful jobs. After selection, Youth hires are strategically placed in positions based on a collection of criteria and job availability.

There may be situations where we cannot place a young person in a desired field of choice; however, the skills that can be learned and gained from each job will still be impactful

KYEP Staff will determine the suitability of the job for each Youth Participant based on the following criteria:

1. Application
2. Interview
3. Transportation Availability
4. Company/Agency Job Requirements
5. Job Availability
6. Skill Level
7. Recommendation Letters

Yes, although youth hires are considered part time employees and do not accrue leave. Therefore, time off will not be paid. Youth hires are allotted no more than three (3) consecutive and five (5) total days of absences for the duration of the program to maximize their summer experience benefits. Please notify your worksite supervisor and youth manager of any extenuating circumstances regarding absences.

All youth hires will receive paper checks from the city.

Please contact the Youth Program Manager at 254-616-3196.

Once you complete the application it is essential to monitor your email, spam box, and phone for the next steps in the process. If it is determined that you will/will not be considered for this session, you will receive notification through the contact methods mentioned above. When completing the application please ensure that you provide the correct phone number and email.

If selected for a position, you will receive a digital job offer letter via email. The job offer is time sensitive. It is essential to monitor your email and phone for correspondence. If you fail to accept the job offer you will be considered as a withdrawal from the program. Please ensure when applying that you enter your email address correctly. Further, after the interview process check your spam box. If not selected for a position, you will receive notification via the provided email. 

Upon accepting the job offer, you will receive further correspondence via phone and email from human resources regarding the onboarding process. Failure to complete the digital onboarding process by the provided deadlines will result in an automatic withdrawal from the program.

A list of the forms that you will be completing for your digital onboarding process includes the I9 Form, W-4 form, Acknowledgement of Safety document, Employee Information Form, Texas Public Information Act form, and other required documents for hire.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact the Youth Program Manager at 254-616-3196.

Youth hires will be utilizing paper time sheets. It is the responsibility of the worksite and the hires to ensure that time sheets are accurate. If a youth worker is not in present on the date that time sheets must be submitted the document will still be submitted although the youth hires signature was not obtained.

Youth will spend a total of 8 weeks at their worksites and 2 weeks in training and review. 

1. Bi-weekly Evaluations
2. Completion of Timesheets
3. Brief description of job task prior to placing youth for training purposes.
4. Mentoring

Youth will complete one week of job-readiness training prior to be being placed at their worksites. They will spend 6 weeks at the worksite and then return to job readiness training for the final week of programing.

18 Years of Age- Once a youth reaches 18 years of age, he or she is no longer subject to the Federal Child Labor provisions. 

16 and 17 Years of Age- Under the FLSA, 16- and 17-year-olds may be employed for unlimited hours in any nonagricultural occupation other than those declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor (see below). Several States do restrict the number of hours and times of day that this age group may be employed. Be sure to check with your State Department of Labor. You can find the State rules by logging onto www.youthrules.dol.gov

For additional information on Occupation Rules, both state and federal, as well as Child Labor Laws- Texas Workforce Regulations click this link.

Currently youth are only being place within City of Killeen departments. The program is working towards placing youth hires within community business in the future. 

If your business is interested in hosting a youth-hire in the future, please complete the Killeen Youth Empowerment Worksite Participation Form. 

For City of Killeen departments that are interested in hosting a youth hire for the Fall 2023 Session (October 9^th -December 1st) please complete the KYEP Worksite Participation form also.

The optimal time of visibility is at 1:36p.m. in Killeen for a duration of 4 minutes and 16 seconds.

Killeen’s population is estimated to double (160,000 X 2= 320,000). Bell County’s population is expected to triple.

The City of Killeen is partnering with Central Texas College and the Mayborn Science Theater. 

The City of Killeen Parks and Recreation is having a Laser Light Show at the Lions Club Park Family Recreation Center on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  It will begin after sunset and last about 15 minutes. 

The City of Killeen encourages citizens to wear the specialized sunglasses for this, and any solar eclipse, event. Our libraries will be distributing 2,000 solar eclipse glasses at no charge. They will be handed out at informational programs that will be held in March 2024 (one pair per attendee). While people do not have to have a library card to get a pair, they must attend the whole program.

At this time, no additional cell phone towers are planned.