Cleburne advances public safety facility plans; bond could appear on Nov. 3 ballot

City staff and the project team updated the council on a proposed public safety facility designed to consolidate the police department, fire administration and municipal court, and outlined a voter funding path that would likely require a bond election.

Project presenters said current police, fire and court facilities were built decades ago for a smaller population and no longer meet operational needs. The city has completed a needs assessment, held multiple workshops since 2019 and selected Hafer Welker, LLC for architectural and engineering services. Staff identified a roughly six‑acre city‑owned site at the southwest corner of Noland River Road and Airport Drive, obtained a preliminary FAA clearance for the non‑aeronautical use, and said the schematic design and cost estimation phases are underway.

"This project reflects years of planning and evaluation and operational input from 2019 until before this meeting," the project lead told council. Architect James Beers said the design team focused on operational flow, health and wellness, multipurpose training and an emergency operations center that can be used for joint police and fire training as well as public engagement.

Staff outlined a funding timeline: council could consider calling a bond election at its Aug. 11 meeting, with a potential November 3, 2026 bond election if council approves the order. Staff estimated a preliminary tax‑rate impact in the range of roughly 5–6 cents, and said construction could be procured in late 2027 with an expected 18–24 months of construction and phased occupancy between 2027 and 2029, contingent on voter approval.

Council emphasized the need to communicate clearly with voters about tax impacts and noted that if a bond fails, the city would need to rework facility plans and consider temporary or leased solutions. Staff said they will continue public engagement, host an open house at the police station on July 21 and present refined cost figures at future meetings.