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Council backs Type B support for $26.9M certificates of obligation to fund police HQ, falls renovation and Circle Trail
Summary
The council approved a resolution endorsing Wichita Falls Type B sales-tax support of up to $1.4 million annually for up to 20 years to assist issuance of certificates of obligation (COS) to fund renovation of Kirby Middle School into police headquarters, a Falls renovation (estimated $4.0–$6.1M) and completion of the Lake Wichita section of the Circle Trail (≈$5.5M).
The Wichita Falls City Council on March 17 approved a resolution authorizing support from the Type B sales-tax corporation to assist issuance of certificates of obligation (COs) to fund multiple capital projects. The plan calls for a COS issuance not to exceed $26.9 million and a Type B annual support commitment not to exceed $1.4 million per year for up to 20 years.
City staff and project leads described three primary projects: renovation of the former Kirby Middle School into a consolidated police department headquarters and municipal court (Kirby is roughly 112,000 sq ft; purchase price reported at $1.2 million; abatement and demo estimated at about $1.5 million), a renovation and partial rebuild of the City Falls landmark (cost range cited $4.0–$6.1 million with a $2.1 million contingency for structural repair), and completing the Lake Wichita segment of the Circle Trail (preliminary cost estimated at about $5.5 million). Project timelines presented anticipated design, bidding and construction steps, with some projects projected to complete in 2028.
Council members said the financing approach (20-year term supported primarily by Type B) avoids raising the property-tax rate and unlocks potential donated funds. The resolution passed by voice vote; staff said the bond issuance would be considered for final approval on May 19 and funding issued in June if approved.
