Argyle staff outlines $12.5 million estimate for proposed police building, asks MDD to consider $375,000 toward next planning phase

Argyle Municipal Development District members heard detailed planning and cost estimates July 1 for a proposed municipal complex — including the Don Mosier Law Enforcement Center and a public plaza — on six acres on the south side of U.S. 407.

Town Manager Mike Sims told the MDD that staff’s current “rough estimate” for pre‑construction — architecture, engineering and master‑planning — is about $1,500,000 and that an 8,000‑square‑foot building plus site work could place the total project in the $11.9 million to $12.5 million range. He said staff proposes covering half of the pre‑construction cost with a short two‑year borrow of $750,000, asking the Criminal Court/Police District and the MDD to each consider covering approximately one quarter of the pre‑construction total (about $375,000 each).

“The only thing the MDD’s being asked for at this time is to say…pre‑construction costs are going to be roughly $1,500,000 to get you to the point where you have bid documents,” Sims said, describing the staff recommendation (two‑year borrow of $750,000 plus $375,000 from the CCD and $375,000 from the MDD).

Why it matters: Sims told the board that population growth expected from nearby subdivisions such as Argyle Landing will affect long‑term police staffing needs and building size. Sims showed a build‑out population projection pushing Argyle’s population past 10,000 and noted a planning target of roughly 2.5 officers per 1,000 residents; with 17 sworn officers today, he said planners expect the town to need roughly 25–27 sworn officers at full build‑out. Those staffing expectations, he said, shape the building’s required size and program.

Site and design considerations: Sims walked the board through photos and grading on the six‑acre parcel, noting vertical drops and a former stock tank on the site. He said building atop a former stock tank is feasible “you just get the muck out of the bottom of it,” and emphasized that a roadway through the six acres must provide access to an adjacent 12‑acre parcel when that property develops.

Timing and options: Staff presented two timing options. In the faster timetable staff would pursue 60 percent design by June 2026, bid documents by November 2026, break ground in February 2027 and occupy in February 2028. A slower timetable would push completion into late 2028. Sims said the construction debt decision would fall in fiscal year 2026 and that staff will seek a master plan contract (about $75,000) for council approval in July.

Board questions and context: MDD members asked about coordination with the adjacent 12‑acre private parcel (often referred to as the “vet center”/veterinarian parcel). Sims said the town will provide roadway access and that the parcels do not need to develop at the same time, though the roadway design must serve both. Director Brenda Tilton clarified there is not yet a development agreement that assigns which party builds which portion of the road; she said cost‑sharing would likely be proportionate and driven by traffic impact analyses.

Next steps: Sims said staff will complete a master plan effort through the fall, present results to council in December and return refined cost estimates. He asked that the MDD consider the requested preliminary funding contribution during upcoming budget deliberations but did not request an immediate vote.

Board members asked for continued updates as the master plan work proceeds and reiterated that formal contributions would require subsequent board action.

Ending: Staff said it will pursue the master plan contract at council in July and return to the MDD with design options, cost refinements and any formal funding requests.