City of Richardson, TX
12/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/19/2025 16:25
Week in Review, Dec. 19, 2025
Dec. 19, 2025
This is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.
Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:
City Council | City Plan Commission
City Trash, Recycling Holiday Schedule
For the Christmas holiday Dec. 24-26, City services and facilities will operate according to the following holiday schedule:
TRASH / RECYCLING / BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION (BABIC)
There will be NO trash, recycling or Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) service provided Thursday, Dec. 25 or Friday, Dec. 26. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC.
The table below shows the make-up days for recycling service.
|
Recycle collection days affected by holiday |
Make-up day |
|
Thursday, Dec. 25 |
Wednesday, Dec. 24 |
| Friday, Dec. 26 | Saturday, Dec. 27 |
https://www.cor.net/HolidaySchedule
|
Facility |
Open/Closed Status |
|
Animal Shelter |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 |
| City Hall and City Hall Annex |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 Closed Dec. 25-26 |
| Eisemann Center |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 Closed Dec. 25-26 |
| Gymnastics Center | Closed Dec. 24-28 |
|
Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 |
| Library |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 |
|
Municipal Court, Richardson IQHQ, Service Center |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 Closed Dec. 25-26 |
| Senior Center |
Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 |
| Sherrill Park Golf Course |
Closed Dec. 25 |
|
Tennis Center |
Closed Dec. 24-25 |
https://www.cor.net/HolidaySchedule
Last Weekend for Santa's Village 2025
Richardson's Santa's Village begins its final weekend of the 2025 holiday season tonight at Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd., continuing through Sunday. The annual free event includes time-treasured "dwellings" along with interactive activities in each; free photos with Santa; live entertainment; concessions for sale, and free parking.
Santa's Village
Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd.
Admission: Free
Dates: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Website: https://www.cor.net/SantasVillage Event weather hotline: 972-744-4301
Fire Department Delivers Toys, Food to Network
The Richardson Fire Department (RFD) delivered a truckload of items (including 1,640 toys!) to Network of Community Ministries earlier this week, the culmination of RFD's annual Toy and Food Drive that began Nov. 24. The donations will be used by Network to help make the holiday season (and the months beyond) brighter for families in need.
Though the drive's collection bins are no longer available at City buildings, further donations can be made directly to Network of Community Ministries at 1500 International Pkwy., or online at https://www.thenetwork.org.
City Council Reviews Recommended 2026 Bond Program
City staff presented the City Council with a recommended 2026 bond program composition at Monday's City Council work session, following several weeks of presentations regarding candidate projects. The proposed bond program totals $223.4M, with 59.4 percent funding directed toward street projects, 16.1 percent to public buildings, 9.9 percent to parks and the rest evenly split between sidewalks and drainage projects.
Highlights of the recommended projects to be included:
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Traffic signal rebuilds at 14 intersections
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Street rehabilitation on Waterview Drive and Melrose Drive
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Construction of new fire apparatus building and Fire Station 7
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Cottonwood Pool conversion to sprayground; new sprayground at Breckinridge Complex B; development of Breckinridge pedestrian bridge and trail connection
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Flood prevention work on the Lois Branch of Prairie Creek
Strategies were given for addressing projects not included in the recommendations.
After receiving City Council feedback, City staff will confirm final propositions with the City's bond counsel. The City Council plans to call a bond election in February for voters to consider in May 2026.
Monday's presentation: Video
City Reviews FY 2024-2025 Year-End Financial Report and Budget Outlook
The City Council recently reviewed the FY 2024-25 year-end financial report, which showed overall strong performance across the City's major operating funds. The General Fund exceeded revenue projections, driven by higher-than-expected sales tax collections, and closed the year with reserves above the City's 90-day policy minimum. The Water and Sewer Fund and Solid Waste Fund also ended the year in solid financial condition, maintaining healthy fund balances despite revenue variability and rising costs. The Golf Fund surpassed revenue expectations, while the Hotel/Motel Fund experienced softer performance due to market conditions but remained stable through expenditure controls.
City leadership noted that while current finances remain stable, long-term budget challenges persist due to state-imposed limits on property tax revenue growth, rising operating costs, and potential future mandates. These factors will be central to discussions as the City begins planning for the FY 2026-27 budget.
Monday's presentation: Video
City Council 2026 Meeting Calendar Approved
The City Council approved its 2026 meeting calendar at Monday's City Council meeting. Each December, the Council is asked to consider and approve a meeting schedule for the upcoming year to help plan for important breaks, holidays, etc., while helping guarantee that attendance at meetings will be adequate to conduct official business and deliberations.
City Council meetings are scheduled beginning at 6 p.m. every Monday, with work sessions included at least once per month, typically scheduled on the first and third Monday. Meetings are generally not held on the fifth Monday of a month, recognized City holidays, the Monday of a holiday week and the Monday of RISD/PISD spring breaks.
The 2026 Calendar features 40 meetings, including a two-day Budget Workshop in August.
City Council 2026 Meeting Calendar: Click here
DART Announces Christmas Holiday Schedule Changes
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will follow a modified schedule next week on Thursday, Dec. 25. (No service changes are planned for Christmas Eve, Dec. 24; all services will follow a regular weekday schedule that day and DART offices will be open regular hours.)
Changes for Dec. 25 include:
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DART buses: operating on a Sunday schedule
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DART light rail and Silver Line: operating on a weekend schedule
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TRE: no service
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DART Paratransit: all subscription trips cancelled with an exception for dialysis appointments. On-demand trips can still be booked as needed. Reservations will remain open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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DART Customer Relations Center, Customer Support Center, Lost & Found, and DARTmart: closed
DART GoLink will operate on a normal weekday schedule Dec. 25.
Website: https://www.dart.org
No City Council Meeting Next Two Mondays
Due to the upcoming holidays, there will be no City Council work session or meeting Dec. 22 and Dec. 29. The Council will next meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.
Website: https://www.cor.net/citycouncil
Lane Closures, Detours Expected Near Belt Line/Floyd Intersection
Drivers near the intersection of Belt Line and Floyd should be aware of the following closures and detours over the next few weeks:
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The right lane of eastbound Belt Line Road between Floyd Road and Lindale Lane may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as a water valve and fire hydrant are replaced. In addition, northbound Lindale Lane just south of Belt Line Road may be closed to traffic and detoured to northbound Floyd Road during the same time. Note that a two-lane closure on eastbound Belt Line Road is possible, but beginning at 3:30 p.m. there will be at least two lanes open to through traffic. The work is expected to be complete by late December, weather permitting.
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Northbound Floyd Road between Scottsdale Drive and Belt Line Road may be closed to traffic at all times and detoured to eastbound Scottsdale Drive, northbound Nottingham Drive, northbound Lindale Lane, and then to Belt Line Road, as Phase 2 of a street rehabilitation project takes place. Another detour offered will be northbound Weatherred Drive to Belt Line Road. The work is expected to be complete by early January, weather permitting.
Richardson Projects: https://www.cor.net/projects.
"North Pole in the Plaza" Tomorrow at CityLine
CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St.
Admission: Free, including free parking
Saturday, Dec. 20
1-5 p.m.
This family-friendly annual event features a winter wonderland with real snow in the Plaza and festive rides on the Choo Choo Express, backed by holiday tunes spun by a live DJ. It's also a great time to capture holiday photos in front of the 18-foot Christmas tree.
City to Offer Annual Three-Day Winter Break Camps for Kids Beginning Monday
Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
Cost: $150
Dec. 22-24 (registration link) and Dec. 29-31 (registration link)
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday. Dec. 24; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 31)
Drop-off is 7:30-9 a.m.; pick-up is 4-6 p.m. (Exception: pick up by 3 p.m. Dec. 24)
The City's Parks and Recreation Department is offering its annual three-day Winter Break Camps for children ages 5-11. Campers bring a sack lunch and snacks and enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities (weather-permitting).
"Saturday Morning Kids" Family Storytime Tomorrow
City Hall Council Chamber, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525
Admission: Free (no residency or registration requirement to attend)
Saturday, Dec. 20
10:30-11 a.m.
A family storytime program geared toward children ages 3-6 years. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
For a full list of library events, visit https://www.cor.net/calendar.
At the Eisemann Center:
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"Rocky Mountain High Experience®: A John Denver Christmas" Tonight
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $47-$67 (tickets)
Friday, Dec. 19
7:30 p.m.
A nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, when John Denver's music filled the airwaves and hearts across the country. Led by acclaimed performer Rick Schuler, the concert features beloved Denver classics like "Rocky Mountain High," "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song" and "Sunshine On My Shoulders," as well as a heartfelt tribute to Denver's iconic holiday TV specials, with seasonal favorites such as "Aspenglow" and "Silent Night." Presented by Emery Entertainment.
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"Girl's Night The Musical" Matinee Tomorrow
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $46-$66 (tickets)
Dec. 20
2 p.m.
Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out. This off-Broadway hit is bursting with energy and packed with hits including "Lady Marmalade," "It's Raining Men," "Man I Feel Like A Woman," "I Will Survive," "We are Family" and many more. Presented by Entertainment Events, Inc.
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Tuzer Ballet's "The Nutcracker" Matinees Tomorrow, Sunday
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: $41-$101 (tickets)
Dec. 20-21
2 p.m.
Tuzer Ballet presents its 40th annual production of Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." Come and be transported to the wondrous world of swirling snowflakes, magical gifts and the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Professional soloists and bright young dancers light up the stage with technically advanced choreography by Pat and Tanju Tuzer.
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"Sister's Christmas Catechism" Sunday Afternoon
Bank of America Theatre
Tickets: $46-$61 (tickets)
Sunday, Dec. 21
2 p.m.
It's "CSI: Bethlehem" in this holiday mystery extravaganza, from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages - whatever happened to the Magi's gold? Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production is bound to become a yearly classic. Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you've ever seen.
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CCBT's "The Nutcracker" Next Monday, Tuesday
Hill Performance Hall
Tickets: Evening performances $38-$108; matinee $33-$78 (tickets)
Dec. 22-23
Monday 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Collin County Ballet Theatre (CCBT) along with the Plano Symphony Orchestra bring you two dyas of performances of the family holiday classic. International Ballet Artists Taras Domitro and Daynelis Munoz join the artists of CCBT and dancers of the Hathaway Academy of Ballet. All children receive a free holiday gift at the matinee performance; the afternoon also includes a pre-show meet-n-greet with members of the cast for photo opportunities.
"Cease the Grease" 2025 Round 2 Begins Today
Help our water system stay clog-free (and save yourself hundreds of dollars in plumbing bills) by avoiding pouring leftover holiday cooking oil and grease down the drain. Instead, bring it to the City's temporary cooking oil/grease drop-off site today through Jan. 5 at the Municipal Service Center.
Where: Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., (In parking lot adjacent to southernmost entrance at Glenville Dr.)
Cost: Free
When: Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026; open 24 hours
How: Bring cooled oil and grease in rigid plastic container with screw-top lid and place in marked collection bin.
The City partners with Texas-based American BioSource to collect the oil/grease, which is recycled into biofuels such as biodiesel and biogas.
Holiday Box Recycling, "Tree-cycling" Underway
Turn your Christmas tree into mulch and compost and keep large gift boxes out of the trash (and out of sight of would-be thieves) through the City's Tree Cycling and Holiday Box Recycling programs. Both programs began today (Friday, Dec. 19) and continue through Jan. 30.
Trees may be dropped off 24/7 at the Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr., or set out at the curb and picked up as part of the City's weekly Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC). Trees must be natural (not artificial), unflocked and all decorations, nails etc. must be removed. The mulch and compost are created thanks to a regional partnership between Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco and Texas Pure; it is used in landscaping by the cities and offered to the public for purchase (residents of the five member cities receive a discount).
Boxes (flattened) may be dropped off 24/7 at the following locations:
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Custer Park
700 W. Renner Rd. (near the tennis courts)
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Recycle Center
102 N. Cottonwood Dr.
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Huffhines Park
1500 Apollo Rd. (near the Huffhines Tennis Center courts)
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Breckinridge Park
5200 Park Vista Rd. (near the baseball complex)
Website: https://www.cor.net/boxandtreerecycling Contact: 972-744-4111 for BABIC pick-up; be sure to request that the tree be collected for composting.
Facilities Maintenance Specialist ($49,502.96 to $73,499.92 Salary)
Facilities is looking for an individual who can perform skilled maintenance, repairs and installations on building facilities, and perform preventive maintenance on HVAC, electrical, electronic, plumbing, pumping and motor control systems. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required.
Crew Chief ($57,541 - $80,347 Salary)
The Public Services Department is looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class A is required.
Recreation Customer Services Representative ($21.00/hr to $24.62/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who can assist in supervising Recreation Center instructors, programs and activities, and work evenings and/or weekends as needed. Completion of ninth grade required.
Pet of the Week
Graham is a sweet and friendly 3-year-old Carolina dog mix who's looking for a forever home. Graham thrives as the only dog in a household, making him the perfect companion for someone seeking a singular furry friend. His gentle demeanor and loving nature make him an ideal pet for any family or individual. Adopting Graham means giving him the chance at a life filled with love and companionship that he so richly deserves.
For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's web page here.
City Council Links
Council Members
Meeting Agendas and Documents
Videos
To read previous Week in Reviews,
visit https://www.cor.net/WIR.
City of Richardson, TX published this content on December 19, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on December 19, 2025 at 22:26 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]