The Weatherford City Council held a retreat on April 17, 2025, focusing on strategic planning for upcoming capital projects and funding mechanisms. The meeting began with discussions about the timeline for hosting future retreats and the importance of community engagement in these initiatives.

Council members expressed optimism about securing funding for various projects, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to fundraising despite current economic challenges, including high interest rates. The conversation shifted to a detailed overview of significant capital projects aimed at enhancing community infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and economic development.

A worksheet was distributed to facilitate discussions on project prioritization and potential funding sources. Key funding options discussed included general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation, revenue bonds, and cash funding. The council highlighted the necessity of voter approval for general obligation bonds, while certificates of obligation could be issued without such approval, although recent legislative proposals could restrict their use.

The financial implications of these funding decisions were a major focus. Council members reviewed how different bond amounts would affect property tax rates for residents, with estimates provided for various home values. For instance, a $5 million bond could result in an annual tax increase of approximately $27.50 for an average home valued at $275,000.

The timeline for a potential bond election was outlined, with discussions beginning in August 2025 and public outreach planned for December. The council noted that pending legislation could affect the timing of elections, potentially moving them to November.

In addition to traditional funding methods, the council explored the possibility of utilizing surplus funds from the utility side, which could amount to around $30 million without jeopardizing the utility system's health. This approach could provide additional financial flexibility for capital projects.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for council members to provide input on project prioritization and funding strategies, emphasizing the importance of aligning community needs with strategic goals. The council aims to make informed decisions that will benefit Weatherford's residents and ensure sustainable growth for the future.