Weatherford moves ahead on animal shelter remodel; $825,000 Phase 1 begins, Phase 2 designs due by October

Weatherford City Council retreat — The city’s animal shelter will enter a targeted remodel after council approved a Phase 1 contract, staff said at the annual retreat. Staff described a two‑phase plan that seeks to update the shelter’s aging kennels and public spaces at a far lower cost than an earlier $20 million rebuild concept.

Phase 1: an $825,000 “not to exceed” remodel approved by council earlier this year covers the blue buildings at the shelter. The work includes epoxy floor coatings, new lighting, spray foam insulation in adoption kennels, upgraded water service, HVAC overhauls and new adoption kennels. Eric (staff member) told the council construction for Phase 1 is planned to start immediately and that the upgrades will modernize the existing kennel capacity and reduce ongoing operating costs.

Phase 2: staff described a possible Phase 2 for the orange buildings that would create a better adoption/retail reception area, expand the intake building with a sally port (a secure drive‑through intake bay) and add a central dog‑park/destination area to increase public visits and adoptions. Eric said staff will work with engineering and projects over the summer to prepare plans and bring those designs back for council review in September or October, with budget decisions to follow. "We're going to work with engineering and projects during the summer to get all plans... go with the latest September," Eric said at the retreat.

Contracts and partners: staff told council current interlocal contracts for contracted municipalities (Alito, Hudson Oaks, Willow Park and Parker County) are being reviewed; the city will increase contracted rates for Parker County by roughly 10% and is updating older partner agreements. Staff said Springtown has told the city it will pursue building its own shelter rather than continuing to contract for shelter services.

Why it matters: City staff emphasized the remodel keeps kennel capacity roughly the same while extending facility life, lowering long‑term capital costs and improving customer experience. Staff said a full teardown‑and‑rebuild would cost far more and was not necessary for current operational needs.

Ending: Staff will bring Phase 2 plans and cost options back to council by October for a funding decision; Phase 1 begins construction immediately under the previously approved contract.