Location
Belton, Texas
Size
8,500 sf
Status
Complete
The City of Belton, the county seat of Bell County, was incorporated in 1852 and has a rich history involving cattle, cotton and the railroad. Over the last 150 years it has experienced steady growth, and as part of the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area, it is now one of the fastest growing areas in Texas. With a current population of approximately 19,000, its daily population almost triples each workday with commuters. Additionally, it is home to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with nearly 3,000 students. As infill continues from the city of Belton south to Salado, Georgetown and Austin, and north to Waco, 40 % growth estimates are projected by the year 2035.
Located on 2nd Avenue, the current facility was completed in 1990 and houses police operations as well as the municipal court. At approximately 8,500 SF and a staff of 42, it is significantly undersized based upon the current population served and size of the department.
The City’s goals are to develop a facility that will meet current and future needs of the department, incorporate emerging technological trends, provide secured parking, allow for multiple points of access and egress, be friendly and inviting, and most importantly, strengthen Belton’s commitment to public service. To achieve this, Phase 1 will include a 10,000 SF addition along with renovation of the existing facility. A proposed Phase 2 with a 9,000 sf addition will meet the year 2032 space needs projections. Included in the renovated and expanded facility will be municipal courts; records, communications, patrol, special operations, CID, administration, and property and evidence departments; and parking garage. Integral to the planning for the addition will be site considerations including mitigating potential flooding and providing secured staff parking.
