Balch Springs City Council members heard a progress report Oct. 13 on the city's street maintenance, capital bond and park projects, including a $6.2 million street-maintenance contract now under construction and a $13 million bond package the city wired in August.

The presentation, delivered by staff from the city's business and capital and public services departments, outlined current construction, design and grant-seeking activity and provided target budgets for several priority projects. The council was told the first street-maintenance segments under the $6.2 million contract are Glenshire, Platte, Horseshoe and Summerhill, with Spring Oaks tentatively beginning in December.

City staff said the capital bond program comprises just over $13 million in projects broken into five primary allocations: $4,820,000 for Spring Oaks work that dovetails with the street-maintenance contract; roughly $6,200,000 proposed for Shepherd Lane improvements; $1,200,000 for a regional trail tied to the Elam Road Corridor master plan; and smaller allotments for property acquisition and engineering related to a new municipal multipurpose complex.

Why it matters: the projects cover transportation, pedestrian safety and parks across Balch Springs, and several require outside grant awards or intergovernmental partnerships. Staff told the council the city must use local match and right-of-way funds to access some state funding and to make projects shovel-ready.

Key details presented to council

- Shepherd Lane: staff described plans to expand part of Shepherd Lane from Elam Road to the recreation center to three lanes with concrete roadway, drainage, curb and gutter. Staff said design-build engineering proposals are being sought and a contract would be brought back for council approval this fall.

- Regional trail (Elam Road Corridor): staff said the city allocated $1.2 million in bond funds for a regional trail as part of the Elam Road Corridor/City Center master plan. The project would eventually connect to a planned municipal center and a proposed 3.7-mile trail segment that runs from Seagullville to Irvin Park and on toward Pioneer Road. Staff said Dallas County covered design costs and the city must provide right-of-way funding and seek a construction grant; the city has budgeted a right-of-way set-aside of roughly $440,000 in FY25-26 and expects a TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) announcement in November.

- Hodges Elementary sidewalks (Safe Routes to School): staff reported the city is pursuing a Safe Routes to School grant that would deliver design and construction for sidewalk improvements near Hodges Elementary; staff said the grant application is under TxDOT review and would fund about $2 million in improvements if selected.

- Irvin Park and other parks work: staff reviewed Irvin Park field renovations initiated under the FY24-25 budget (Phase 1 for two baseball fields, an estimated Phase 1 funding commitment of roughly $600,000) and said Phase 2 (additional fields) is budgeted at about $750,000 but currently on hold for further consideration. Oak Ridge Park parking improvements were budgeted at $250,000 in FY25-26 for planning and bidding.

Funding partnerships and grants

Staff described a combination of local bond funds, type A/type B economic development board contributions and outside grants (NCTCOG/North Central Texas Council of Governments and TxDOT). The presentation noted a $1.6 million NCTCOG award that required a $400,000 city match for a corridor feasibility study; staff said the match was approved by council in August.

Council reaction and next steps

Council members asked clarifying questions on timelines and coordination with utilities. Staff said Hickory Road is about 60% in design with a tentative construction start in fall 2027 and that utility coordination is a significant driver of cost and schedule. Staff also said the city publishes monthly status updates on its website and will return to council with contract approvals and grant agreements as items are ready.

Staff emphasized the projects remain contingent on grant awards and procurement outcomes, and council was told the city will need to prioritize projects and pursue alternative funding where possible. The presentation did not include formal council action; staff said specific contracts and agreements will be brought back for approval when ready.

Ending: staff said the city will post monthly updates on the public services website and will bring engineering and construction contracts, as well as any required funding agreements, to council for future action.