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Franktown Open Hearts seeks city support for stormwater work tied to new facility; staff outlines funding options
Summary
Franktown Open Hearts representatives described a planned new facility and asked for help funding required stormwater and Johnson Circle improvements estimated at approximately $9 million total construction; staff suggested CDBG and county facilities-tax funds as primary options and the general fund as a last resort.
Representatives of Franktown Open Hearts presented project details and financing status for a proposed new facility at the northeast corner of Johnson Circle and Grand Bay Street and asked the board to consider assisting with required stormwater and street improvements.
Franktown representatives said the most recent design development budget estimates total construction costs just over $9,000,000; the figure includes stormwater work and a Johnson Circle improvement package that staff later described as approximately $790,000 of the total budget. The organization said the construction schedule envisions breaking ground in September and that a lease requirement from Williamson County sets a milestone in October; Franktown said it has completed roughly half of its fundraising goal and is exploring bank financing to cover the balance if needed.
City staff reviewed potential funding sources and advised three priority options: federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds the city currently administers; the city’s share of the Williamson County adequate facilities tax (facilities tax) fund balance; and the city’s general fund as a last option. Staff provided CDBG award history and projected balances and said CDBG appropriations are time-limited and must be drawn down according to federal rules. Staff recommended pursuing CDBG and county facilities tax funding first and using general fund dollars only if necessary, and noted the city could spread reimbursements over multiple budget years to manage cash flow.
Board members asked for clarifications about the October lease deadline, total project budget, fundraising status and how Franktown coordinates with other youth-service organizations. Franktown representatives said they operate in borrowed facilities and that a completed facility would let them expand programming and serve more children; Franktown said it had standby lending scenarios from Fourth Capital Bank for $2 million–$4 million if campaign fundraising does not close before construction. Staff said they will work with Franktown on timing and reimbursement mechanics if the board directs the use of available funds; no formal appropriation was made at the work session.
