In a recent meeting of the Argyle Municipal Development District (MDD), officials discussed critical funding strategies for the construction of a new police headquarters and emergency operations center. The projected pre-construction costs are estimated at approximately $1.5 million, with a proposed funding plan that includes a two-year borrowing of $750,000 supported by the town's tax rate, alongside contributions from the Citizen's Crime Prevention District (CCPD) and the MDD.
The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among various funding sources to ensure the project moves forward. The CCPD is expected to contribute $375,000, while the MDD is also being asked for a similar amount to maintain their partnership in the project. This funding strategy aims to secure the necessary bid documents to advance the construction process.
Officials acknowledged the challenges in securing grants for police station projects, noting that while some funding opportunities exist, they are often limited. The discussion included the potential for applying for grants related to emergency operations centers and public plaza improvements, but no guarantees were made regarding their availability.
A significant point of discussion was the size and design of the new facility. The proposed building is currently estimated at 8,000 square feet, which may accommodate both police operations and town council meetings. However, the final decision on the building's design and size will be made after a master planning phase, expected to conclude by December. This phase will involve hiring an engineer and architect to refine the project details.
As the town prepares for these developments, officials emphasized the need for transparency and regular updates to the community. The MDD will continue to engage with the council and the public to ensure that the project aligns with community needs and expectations. The next steps will involve finalizing the master plan and securing the necessary approvals to move forward with construction.