He also emphasized that the state pays for major maintenance if it’s over $1,000.

Councilman Jose Segarra said the veterans cemetery is “near and dear to everyone’s heart” but said the biggest benefit is for the people from temp agencies who work there, who don’t have any benefits, turning it more into a career.

He asked what happens to the cemetery employees if the contract isn’t renewed.

Cagle said the VLB would either hire another operator or the city of Killeen can offer a fitting city job.

Councilman Ramon Alavrez asked what happens if the city declines to oversee the cemetery like Bell County previously did.

John Kelley, director of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries at Texas General Land Office, said all of the cemeteries were operated by a vendor, but in 2018 the relationship began to sour and was terminated in 2019.

Somebody had the idea of using local governments to oversee the cemeteries.

He said all the cemeteries have won awards.

“If you all said no to this, we would continue as we are now with temp agencies,” Kelley said.

Alvarez said he doesn’t see this as a budgeted item.

“Obviously we have a strong contract and there’s money currently in place for this,” Alvarez said, explaining there was some concern as to which way legislation will go in the future regarding funding of the state veteran cemeteries.

Kelley responded that veterans fund the cemetery through paying back home loans with small interest rates. He also said the VLB also uses revenue from the sale of bonds. The program doesn’t receive state funds, he said.

Kelley emphasized that he is responsible for everything that happens at the cemetery.

Before making his motion to approve the agreement, Boyd said he went on a tour of the grounds of the cemetery and met with leaders of the operations of the cemetery.

“Let me first say the existing staff are dedicated, knowledgeable professionals, period,” Boyd said. “The majority of them are veterans who instill passion for this work.”

He said there is a commitment to “service and reverence” in the upkeep of the grounds as well as safety and accessibility.

“I trust the city of Killeen will be a perfect fit for the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery,” Boyd said.

Councilwoman Jessica Gonzalez asked if the cemetery is fully staffed.

Cagle responded yes.

Gonzalez said the staff being veterans “means a lot.”

In a phone call earlier Tuesday, state Rep. Hugh Shine, R-Temple, said he only heard about the proposed agreement very recently and didn’t have any information.

He referred the Herald to state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, whose district includes the cemetery.

Buckley could not be reached immediately for comment.

During citizens’ comments, most of those who spoke on the issue were positive about the agreement, even if they had misgivings ahead of time.

Former Councilwoman Mellisa Brown said she was “excited and encouraged” after speaking to the Veterans Land Board.

“They have assured me that there are checks and balances in place and really they’re calling all the shots for it,” Brown said.

David Bass said he was concerned when he heard Killeen would be taking over operations of the cemetery. “We are very proud of our veterans cemetery,” Bass said, who explained he attends unaccompanied veterans burials and other events.

But he said he read the interlocal agreement and budget and feels “more confident about the plan.”

“It will be a partnership between VLB and local municipalities,” he said, and VLB will still largely be responsible for the operations including maintaining the standards.

Cagle said last week that the interlocal agreement would allow the city of Killeen to absorb the ownership of the veterans cemetery, including its employees.

Cagle told the Herald via email that the reason Killeen is taking over the operations of the cemetery is because other cities in Texas do the same thing.

“The City of Mission operates the state cemetery in their city. The cities of Abilene and Lubbock will operate the state cemeteries in their cities. Nueces County operates the state cemetery in Corpus Christie,” he said. “I don’t know that there is a benefit to the city in operating the cemetery other than honoring our continued support of the military and veterans as well as improving our relationship with state officials.”

He said the cemetery will continue to operate in the exact same manner that it did before the potential Killeen takeover.

According to the cemetery’s website, the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery opened Jan. 4, 2006. It is the first of four cemeteries built and run by the Texas Veterans Land Board, under the Texas General Land Office.

The cemetery’s 174-acre tract was previously part of Fort Cavazos, at the time known as Fort Hood, that was donated to the federal government with space for up to 50,000 burial plots.

About 15,000 veterans and family members are interred there.

Boyd, during last week’s City Council meeting, said he had no reservations taking over operations of the cemetery.

Mayor Debbie Nash-King said last week that it was an honor for the city of Killeen to be chosen to take care of the cemetery grounds.