City council gives support for regional 9-1-1 district

March 27, 2025

By David Stone

The Belton Journal

The Belton City Council approved a resolution Tuesday supporting the transition of the Central Texas Council of Governments to a Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District.

According to Sam Listi, Belton city manager, CTCOG currently administers the State’s 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Program, providing emergency dispatch equipment, technology and training, GIS Mapping, and 911 addressing in the rural areas of the CTCOG region. The Belton City Council approved a resolution Tuesday supporting the transition of the Central Texas Council of Governments to a Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District.

Residents and businesses are charged 50 cents on phone bills to pay for these services. The money is remitted to, and held by, the State of Texas until the Legislature appropriates the funds to the Texas Commission on Emergency Communications and then to statewide councils of government.

Under this reimbursement format, the COG does not receive all the money generated locally, funding that is sent may be delayed, and the amount of funding is unpredictable, making the scheduling of long-range equipment purchases difficult.

By creating the Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District, all funds collected from chinaberry trees. These were brought in for landscaping but ended up spreading here through birds.”

Alongside clearing brush and planting seeds, volunteers also learned how to maintain trails and identify problematic growth.

“It’s a long, ongoing process. Nature reclaims fast, so we’re constantly doing trail maintenance and erosion control,” Trujillo said.

The wildflower seeds used were part of a Texas native prairie mix that included bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and other local species.

“Whatever takes hold, that’s what nature does best,” he added.

Amanda Carter, a returning volunteer, came with her family and a local fencing group called Sword Play Fencing.

“This is our third year helping to scatter seeds,” Carter said. “It’s good for our family to get outside and help the parks. I enjoy being in nature.”

Carter said she’s walked many of the trails before and has seen firsthand how previous efforts have paid off.

“It feels good to give back and improve the area,” she said. “Coming back later and seeing the flowers grow is actually kind of neat.”

Elliot Hemstreet, another participant, said he heard about the event through friends from church and wanted to tag along.

“I’ve always been interested in wildflower spreading,” Hemstreet said. “I don’t get out in nature much, so it’s a great way to start a Saturday and do something helpful.”

No registration was required for the event, and all supplies were provided by the city. The next volunteer day at Miller Springs is expected later this year. For updates and more information, visit www.beltontexas.gov.