Cleburne approves $50M infrastructure funding plan for roads and public safety center

During the Cleburne City Council Workshop on May 20, 2025, city officials outlined a comprehensive funding strategy aimed at enhancing critical infrastructure and public safety facilities, directly addressing community needs. The proposed plan includes a significant investment of approximately $50 million, with a focus on road improvements, a new public safety facility, and the rehabilitation of existing city structures.

A key component of the funding strategy is the allocation of $27.2 million for essential roadway infrastructure. City officials emphasized the importance of this investment in maintaining and improving the city's transportation network, which is vital for residents' daily commutes and overall connectivity. The plan also earmarks $5.4 million for the design and engineering of a new public safety facility, which has been a topic of discussion for several years. This facility aims to consolidate various public safety services, including the municipal court, into one accessible location for residents.

Additionally, the proposal includes $2.9 million to transform an underutilized city facility into a citizen service center. This center will streamline access to various city services, such as planning and zoning, building inspections, and utility billing, allowing residents to handle multiple tasks in one visit rather than navigating between different locations.

While the current funding package does not allocate resources for a new fire station, city officials acknowledged the community's potential need for this facility. They plan to seek voter input in the future regarding its construction, which is estimated to cost around $12 million.

City Manager Craig L. and Finance Director Jim Sponis presented the funding strategy, highlighting the importance of fiscal responsibility and community engagement in the planning process. They assured residents that the city would utilize tax dollars efficiently and maintain a low interest rate for the proposed debt issuance, which is expected to have minimal impact on the city's tax rate.

As Cleburne moves forward with these initiatives, the city council aims to ensure that infrastructure improvements and public safety enhancements align with the community's needs and expectations, fostering a more connected and secure environment for all residents.