en.Wedoany.com Reported - The City of Frisco, Texas, is adjusting its plans for a proposed public-private partnership animal shelter. The project, an approximately 21,000-square-foot animal services facility, could cost up to $24 million to construct, city officials estimate.
The Frisco City Council approved a letter of intent for the project in November 2024, but the city has not yet signed a final agreement with a private operator. Officials are still negotiating operational details, costs, and facility design. Ken Schmidt, Frisco's Director of Special Projects, stated that the current cost estimate for the project ranges from $18 million to $24 million, leaning toward the higher end. This contrasts with earlier reports that initially estimated the facility at just $12.8 million. Schmidt noted that getting closer to the $18 million figure would likely require value engineering on the scope and quality of finishes. The primary reasons for the cost increase are the expanded facility size, rapidly escalating construction costs, evolving design assumptions, and the limited number of comparable projects in the region.
The project's progress is also influenced by the changing relationship between the city and the Collin County Animal Shelter. Frisco's Animal Services department currently transports animals to the county shelter in McKinney, and the proposed new facility was initially planned as a temporary holding point for animals. However, Schmidt indicated that Collin County is seeking to terminate its partnership with Frisco, meaning the proposed new facility may need to provide full sheltering services. The city's website states that the Collin County Commissioners Court has discussed not renewing the sheltering services agreement, which could end in November 2028. Council member Laura Rummel mentioned that if the new facility's operating costs are lower than the fees paid to Collin County, it would directly enhance the city's service level.
The project's funding model is also being adjusted. The initial plan called for a $12.8 million cash investment from the Frisco Community Development Corporation (CDF) for site and facility development. Schmidt said the current recommendation is a combination of cash and debt financing to avoid impacting existing CDC projects. City staff still recommend a private operator model due to its lower operating costs. Meeting documents show the private operator model is projected to have annual operating costs between $550,000 and $650,000, while a municipal operation model would exceed $950,000. Potential private partners include Nicole Kohanski, founder of Wiggle Butt Academy, and the facility is expected to require 10 to 12 full-time employees.
To reduce costs, officials are considering relocating the facility from the intersection of Preston Road and PGA Parkway to the southwest corner of Gateway Drive and PGA Parkway, a site with fewer topographical construction challenges. Additionally, alternative construction methods like pre-engineered metal buildings are being considered, along with exploring revenue generation through sponsorships, donations, and fees for impoundment, adoption, and licensing.
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