Traffic is buzzing around Belton!

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TemBel Buzz
April 30, 2025

As April winds down and we head into May, we have some exciting events going on this week. Don’t let the clutter on I-35 keep you from getting out and experiencing something new this week! Let’s dive in to the Buzz!

In todays edition: 

  • Belton Meets About Bond for Special Projects

  • New Urgent Care Opens in South Temple

  • Texas House Passes Bill to Expand Farm Loan Program

Belton Meets About Bond for Special Projects

The City of Belton is considering issuing up to $17.7 million in Certificates of Obligation to fund a variety of public projects. These include improvements to the city’s water and sewer systems, the purchase of a new fire truck, and the acquisition of a building for use as a public safety facility—which will house fire department offices, a police substation, emergency medical services, and serve as an emergency shelter. A portion of the land may also be used for park space.

The City Council originally scheduled a vote on the issuance for April 8, 2025, but has since delayed action twice. The matter is now set for consideration at a special meeting on April 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Harris Community Center.

If approved, the certificates will be repaid using a combination of property tax revenue and surplus utility revenues. Residents had the opportunity to voice feedback during a public hearing held on March 11, 2025. Under state law, a petition signed by at least five percent of qualified voters could require the city to hold a public election before proceeding.

New Urgent Care Opens in South Temple

A new urgent care facility has opened in South Temple, improving access to healthcare services for residents in the area. The clinic aims to reduce travel times for non-emergency medical needs and ease pressure on local hospitals. Community members have welcomed the addition, citing both convenience and enhanced safety, especially in urgent situations. The opening is seen as a positive step toward expanding healthcare infrastructure in one of Temple's fastest-growing regions.

Texas House Passes Bill to Expand Farm Loan Program

Texas farmers and ranchers may soon see increased access to financial support, as House Bill 43—recently passed by the Texas House—moves on to the Senate. The bill aims to expand an existing loan program administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture to help both new and established agricultural producers.

Currently limited to farmers ages 18 to 46, the program would be opened to applicants of all ages. Loan limits would also increase significantly—up to $1 million at a 2% interest rate, compared to the current $500,000 at 5%. The grant portion of the program would rise from $20,000 with a 100% match to $500,000 with just a 10% match. Businesses critical to agriculture, like cotton gins and exporters, would also become eligible.

The proposal comes amid mounting challenges in the agricultural sector. In the past three years alone, farmers in Texas have lost over $14 billion due to extreme weather. Many feel that federal aid has fallen short and see state-led initiatives like HB 43 as crucial.

While the bill has drawn support from various agricultural organizations, some critics argue it could distort business competition or reduce the focus on helping young farmers. Still, many in the industry see the changes as vital to ensuring long-term food security and supporting the next generation of farmers.

HB 43 passed the House by a wide margin and is currently under consideration in the Senate.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the TemBel Buzz? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Events this week:

  • Lunch & Learn: Profit Mastery Preview - April 30 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

    • Location: Temple Area Builders Association

    • Description: Join us for a power-packed Lunch & Learn designed to give you a sneak peek into Profit Mastery—a proven financial performance system that helps business owners like you increase cash flow, improve profitability, and take control of your financial future.

  • Kids Movie Night: Shrek 3 - April 30

    • Location: Treno Pizzeria & Taproom

    • Description: Come join all the fairytale creatures at the pizzeria for Kid's Night each Wednesday. Kids get a FREE kid pizza with each adult entree purchase 5-8P. This week's movie is Shrek 3 starting at 6P.

  • Parents Night Out - May 2 4:00-8:00 PM

    • Location: Little Land Play Gym

    • Description: Parents, need a break or a date night? Well drop your kids off at Little Land Play Gym and go enjoy some relaxation. Little Land closes to the public every First and Third Friday of the month and offers a pizza dinner and safe environment for your children to have fun and be safe at while you can go relax with peace of mind.

  • Sing Along Bingo - May 2 7:00 PM

    • Location: Bold Republic Brewing Company

    • Description: Join us for the best night in town. This week's theme is "Country Classics"

  • Cinderella the Ballet - May 2 7:00 PM, May 3 12:30 PM & 7:00 PM

    • Location: Cultural Activities Center

    • Description: Presented by the Classical Ballet Conservatory at Lisa’s Dance Connection, Cinderella: The Ballet is a timeless tale of grace, love, and transformation.

  • August: Osage County - May 2&3 7:30 PM

    • Location: Temple Civic Theater

    • Description: A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major play that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.

  • Centex Salsa & Hot Sauce Festival - May 3 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

    • Location: Chef Flaco’s Gourmet Foods

    • Description: Come find out who makes the best salsa! For more info, click here!

  • Movie in the Park - May 3 7:00 PM

    • Location: Heritage Park, Belton

    • Description: Movie in the Park, Wild America, with games & free popcorn, with High 5 Hotdogs on site as well!

  • Ultimate Selena Experience - May 3 6:00-8:30 PM

    • Location: Santa Fe Plaza

    • Description: Celebrate the iconic music of Selena Quintanilla with a free, unforgettable evening. Enjoy a live performance by talented tribute artist Amanda Solis.

Live Music!

Friday, May 3

Scooter Dubec and Sterling Country | Bo’s Barn Dance Hall | 8:00 PM

Saturday, May 3

Josh Meloy | Johnny’s Steakhouse and Bar-Be-Que | 6:00 PM

Luke Prater | Bold Republic Brewing Company | 7:00 PM

People’s Choice | Bo’s Barn Dance Hall | 9:00 PM

To get your events added, please email us at [email protected]!