Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects Training Facility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Weatherford commissioners decline training-facility grant, opt not to hire design firm
Summary
The Weatherford City Commission voted to decline a 50/50 grant and not contract with Brandstetter Carroll Inc. for design work on the Weather Regional Training Facility after commissioners raised budget and long-term-use concerns.
The Weatherford City Commission voted to decline a grant that required a 50/50 local match and to not enter a design-services contract with Brandstetter Carroll Inc., citing uncertainty about near‑term city finances and competing uses for the property.
Mayor Mike Brown said the grant would have required roughly a $450,000 local match and that only part of the city’s share could be taken from current-year funds; the remainder would need to be budgeted next year. He also said the work likely would not begin until the fourth quarter and must be completed by December 2026.
Commissioner Jimmy Ingram said he was concerned about supplemental budget requests and the city’s fiscal position. “My main concern is ... I don’t like doing supplemental request,” Ingram said, adding he was unsure the city could absorb new recurring costs associated with a training facility. Commissioners also questioned whether remodeling should be concentrated on economic development uses or retained primarily for training and possible National Guard use.
Commissioners noted the city already has spent money converting portions of the building and owns roughly eight acres at the site. Staff said the project scope under the proposed design contract included code compliance updates—potentially sprinklers and fire alarms—restroom work and expansion of training and ELC space.
A motion by Commissioner Jimmy Ingram to not accept the grant and not enter a contract with Brandstetter Carroll Inc. was seconded by Commissioner Warren Goldman and approved by voice vote (Ingram — aye; Goldman — aye; Garrett Smith — aye; Mayor Mike Brown — aye). Commissioner Kendon Wood was absent.
The commission did not adopt any alternative direction at the meeting and discussed leaving the property on the market for economic development if a private buyer emerged. Staff said the city could also decline the award and continue current uses without committing to the remodel.
The action leaves open the option for future reconsideration; no design contract was approved and no supplemental appropriation was adopted.
