Springtown staff proposes modular animal shelter as lower-cost interim fix

City staff presented multiple options April 14 to address deteriorating space at the Springtown Animal Shelter, including a previously studied $4.3—4.7 million new facility and a lower-cost modular unit from Ramtech that would provide about 1,400 square feet of public-facing space.

"We have an additional $125,000 of uh surplus funds," the presenter said during the meeting, and staff proposed combining that surplus with $100,000 already budgeted to create an immediate funding source and bring a budget amendment next week to begin work on a modular shelter. Staff described the modular option as a temporary measure with a lifecycle that could serve the city for five to seven years in current use and later be repurposed for wastewater or other operations.

The Ramtech modular solution would not include dog kennels (those would remain in the existing building and require on-site kennel drainage work), but would add a public greeting area, cat-viewing room, medical exam space and offices. Staff estimated the modular building shell at roughly $250,000 plus site work, utility tie-ins and interior furnishings; officials said a realistic all-in estimate for bringing the shelter into operation could remain under $500,000 when combined with necessary upgrades to the existing facility.

Council members asked whether the modular approach would shift the timeline for a long-term police facility and whether the city should instead tie a larger capital project (new police station) to the animal-shelter plan. Staff responded that financing options including short-term municipal financing or Government Capital 5—5.6% financing remained viable for the modular option and that a bond for a multi-million-dollar facility would require a voter process if pursued.

Staff will return next week with a proposed budget amendment to move the surplus into the shelter line and outline financing options.