Murphy council directs limited site feasibility study for Veterans Tribute as grant deadline looms

The City of Murphy directed staff to conduct a limited feasibility and viability assessment of potential sites for a Murphy Veterans Tribute after the project's board said the city’s previously offered fire‑station location is unacceptable.

City staff summarized the history: the council designated a 0.5‑acre site in Murphy Central Park in 2018, but in June 2025 the city rescinded that dedication and offered the flagpole site adjacent to the fire station. City staff said the Murphy Veterans Tribute (MVT) board rejected the fire station location and proposed several alternative sites on the City Hall campus. "Back in August 2017, the city did designate that 0.5 acre of land in Murphy Central Park for the purpose of a veterans memorial," staff said. Staff reported the MVT has approximately $50,000 on hand and has a conditional Collin County matching grant of about $109,000 that may require a site decision before the grant expires.

Mary Patellich, chairman of the Murphy Veterans Tribute board, urged council not to delay. "We might be able to put [the grant] off for 3 months," she said, and warned that without a site decision the group could "lose that money." MVT representatives emphasized they have invested years of work, are a 501(c)(3), and want to be consulted on design and site selection.

Council members expressed sympathy for the group's goals but cited fiscal and maintenance concerns for a city‑owned memorial. The mayor and multiple council members supported a narrow, staff‑led assessment rather than committing to construction: staff estimated an initial assessment budget in the order of $20,000 and said potential funding sources include fund balance or park/MCDC funds. "What I would love to be able to do is say, okay, give staff direction, sit down and let's do a viability and feasibility assessment on a couple of preferred sites," the mayor said.

Staff will return to council with scope, cost and schedule for the assessment so the council can decide whether to proceed with a public–private partnership, fund the pad or decline to proceed. The council did not take a final funding action at this meeting.

The MVT board and several veterans in attendance asked the city to consider a smaller boulevard site east of the big boulevard flags, which the group said has better parking and less traffic. MVT representatives also said the original Collin County grant was tied to an earlier site, and they are working with grant staff to preserve the funding if possible.

The matter is expected back on a future council agenda after staff assesses feasible sites and returns with a proposed budget and timeline.