City outlines funding and costs for engagement/recovery center; $548,000 raised, fit‑up cost about $1.6M

City staff provided a financial overview for the engagement/recovery center, reporting that $548,000 in donations have been placed with the FM Area Foundation to reimburse fit‑up work; expenses to date are approximately $60,000. Staff said the fit‑up cost is about $1,600,000 with roughly $100,000 of in‑kind work and the annual lease is approximately $240,185.50.

Brenda Dearing said nonprofits and community partners (more than 35 organizations) are assisting with the center and that streamlining efforts over the past three years have produced efficiencies. She also noted an increase in library‑related issues on Saturdays when the engagement center was closed and that the city has added security at the library in response.

Commissioners thanked staff for the update and asked to have additional briefings as needed; staff offered to return to provide more detail.