Crockett council approves ARPA projects including three police cruisers and downtown study

The Crockett City Council voted to approve a package of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) project expenditures that funds a downtown strategic study, street repairs, new public-safety equipment and several facility repairs.

City staff told council the ARPA allocation totals roughly $1.585 million and presented a list of already-funded items plus proposed projects. Staff recommended moving ahead with a downtown strategic plan by Downtown Strategies (a DFW-based consultant) to guide parking, sidewalks and long-term priorities; council agreed the study could strengthen future grant applications. Staff also outlined repairs for City Hall roofing and gutters, Ag Arena roof concerns and replacement of the fire-station concrete bay, and recommended purchasing replacement bunker gear for firefighters.

Council discussed public-safety priorities at length after the police presented fleet-condition data earlier in the meeting (high-mileage vehicles and increased shop time). Staff said the council had a placeholder for three police cruisers and explained phasing would return older high-mileage units to a rotational schedule. Councilmembers debated whether to acquire fewer or more vehicles but approved a starting allocation for three.

After discussion, a councilmember moved to approve the ARPA expenditures "as discussed tonight"; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said some items will be held pending additional quotes or external grant funding, while other projects will proceed to procurement.

What happens next: Staff will obtain formal quotes and follow procurement procedures for the approved items and return to council with vendor estimates for larger construction projects and parking improvements.