Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Belton council approves purchase of Miller Heights Elementary for $750,000 to create public safety and community space
Summary
The Belton City Council approved a $750,000 purchase agreement with Belton Independent School District for the former Miller Heights Elementary School. City staff said initial uses include a police substation, shared administrative and training space, EMS/FD support and potential park improvements on adjacent land.
The Belton City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 11 to authorize the city manager to execute a purchase agreement with Belton Independent School District for Miller Heights Elementary for $750,000.
Why this matters: City staff described the acquisition as an opportunity to provide a long‑term public safety presence in a busy call area, create community and training spaces and anchor park‑oriented revitalization in the neighborhood surrounding the school site.
Site and intended uses: Staff said the parcel comprises about 8.36 acres and the city already owns about 1.5 acres immediately to the north and east, giving the municipality room for future park or municipal uses. The building was described as roughly 40,000 square feet with classrooms, a cafeteria, a commercial kitchen and a small theater. Staff and council members discussed near‑term uses including a police substation, victim services, EMS support and shared administrative or classroom space; the building could also host community training, workforce and social‑service coordination activities.
Financing and next steps: The city will use available assigned general‑fund balance of $872,000 to begin limited initial work—surveys, closing costs and targeted safety items such as fencing, lighting and cameras—while major renovations would be phased and brought back for council approval. Staff estimated closing and survey costs at about $10,000. City staff said the property will be sold “as is” by the district and that code upgrades and phased renovations will be prioritized before full public use.
Council reaction and vote: Multiple councilmembers described the site as a “diamond in the rough” and said the purchase aligned with prior facilities planning. A motion to authorize the city manager to execute the purchase agreement in the amount of $750,000 passed unanimously.
Ending: With the purchase approved, staff will return with a survey and a phased plan for using the building and adjoining property; staff said city projects and grant opportunities (for example, park‑matching programs) will be explored to expand public access at the site.
