Following widespread criticism of our support against the City of Fate’s proposed $20 million bond, it is clear that residents asked us to provide cost-effective and realistic alternatives to building an extravagant, oversized police station. The proposed bond seeks to construct a 20,000-square-foot police facility, which many believe to be both financially burdensome and unnecessary. However, we believe there are viable, pragmatic solutions that would meet the needs of the Fate Department of Public Safety (DPS) without saddling taxpayers with millions of dollars in debt.
Of course, it must be said that these are off the cuff suggestions. Should the citizens of Fate decide to vote down the proposed bond we will be granted more time in which to do a deep dive into the issue. As it stands, the city blindsided the community with this bond proposal, leaving little time for a thorough investigation into available options … but this is exactly what they wanted.
Cost-Effective Alternatives: Renting and Repurposing
Instead of constructing a new police station, the city could explore renting nearby industrial space, such as Rockwall Park 30, which is conveniently located just outside Fate’s city limits. Rockwall Park 30 offers flexible industrial spaces ranging from 20,000 to 157,000 square feet. Renting space at Rockwall Park 30 provides two major advantages: it allows for an immediate expansion without the hefty upfront costs of construction, and it maintains adaptability for future growth. The city would have the flexibility to adjust its rental space as needed, depending on the changing needs of the police department. A bond to cover the finish out would still be needed, but it would significantly drop the bond to a more manageable level.
Despite the claims of some, there are times when renting is more advantageous than owning. The bond will cost taxpayers approximately $1,400,000 per year. This is significantly more than the rent that would be paid for the same amount of space. Furthermore, it allows us something much more valuable … time. Time to find better solutions. Time to allow for interest rates to return to normal.
Another alternative is repurposing existing space at Fate’s City Hall. There is space at city hall that is used extremely inefficiently, and it might be possible to swap this space with the Police Department, who currently works out of a modest 3,000 square feet next to a local donut shop. This reallocation of space would make the most out of existing infrastructure without incurring additional debt. An adjacent solution might be to build onto the existing City Hall. Actually, this is another example of an inept council and City Manager as this should have been an option before the City Hall building was designed. It would have been of little effort, or cost, to preplan for an expansion wing to the building … opportunity lost.
A 20,000 Square Foot Station: An Overblown Ask?
It’s important to question why Police Chief Lyle Lombard believes a new 20,000-square-foot police station is necessary. The reality is that the police department has been operating efficiently out of just 3,000 square feet of retail space. Under Lombard’s leadership, Fate’s police officers have successfully maintained law and order, proving their capability with the existing resources at hand. Given this success, it seems highly excessive to multiply the department’s space by a factor of six without six-fold growth in either the city’s population or crime rate to justify such an expense.
If the Chief feels that some expansion is necessary, a more moderate increase in space—such as relocating to a 6,000-square-foot facility—would suffice for at least the next few years. To argue that 20,000 square feet is essential defies logic and data. Fate has not seen exponential growth that would justify such an enormous increase in space, and it is unlikely to experience six times the growth in the near future. This oversized proposal not only strains taxpayers financially, but it also raises questions about whether city leadership is making data-driven decisions or pursuing grandiose projects that fail to deliver genuine value to residents.
If Construction Is the Path: Consider a Fabricated Steel Building
For those insisting on new construction, it’s critical to rethink the type of building the city aims to construct. Police stations do not need to be luxurious, architecturally ambitious buildings. If the City of Fate moves forward with construction, they should explore more affordable options, such as a fabricated steel structure. Prefabricated steel buildings offer durability, lower construction costs, and faster build times, making them a sensible alternative to the proposed $500-per-square-foot police station.
Building a functional, cost-efficient structure will ensure that the department has the resources it needs to operate effectively while remaining fiscally responsible. This approach also provides taxpayers with a more transparent use of their money, ensuring that funds are not being squandered on unnecessary extravagance.
If this option had been explored the proposed bond would have been significantly less. But they didn’t really explore ALL options. They wanted to cram this proposal through before the next Fate Council Election in May. Following widespread criticism of the City of Fate’s proposed $20 million bond, it is clear that residents need cost-effective and realistic alternatives to building an extravagant, oversized police station. The proposed bond seeks to construct a 20,000-square-foot police facility, which many believe to be both financially burdensome and unnecessary. However, there are viable, pragmatic solutions that would meet the needs of the Fate Department of Public Safety (DPS) without saddling taxpayers with millions of dollars in debt.
Cost-Effective Alternatives: Renting and Repurposing
Instead of constructing a new police station, the city could explore renting nearby industrial space, such as Rockwall Park 30, which is conveniently located just outside Fate’s city limits. Rockwall Park 30 offers flexible industrial spaces ranging from 20,000 to 157,000 square feet. Renting space at Rockwall Park 30 provides two major advantages: it allows for an immediate expansion without the hefty upfront costs of construction, and it maintains adaptability for future growth. The city would have the flexibility to adjust its rental space as needed, depending on the changing needs of the police department. This way, taxpayers aren’t locked into a long-term financial commitment that cannot be undone.
Another alternative is repurposing existing space at Fate’s City Hall. Currently, the Planning & Development offices occupy a sizable portion of the City Hall building, while the Police Department works out of a modest 3,000 square feet next to a local donut shop. One solution is to swap these offices, relocating the Planning & Development department to the existing police facility while bringing the DPS Command & Control operations back to City Hall. This reallocation of space would make the most out of existing infrastructure without incurring additional debt. Is this option realistic? We don’t know for sure … if the City had responded to our Open Records Request, we would know if the option was even discussed. But as it stands, the city is stonewalling our request… more on that in another article.
A 20,000 Square Foot Station: An Overblown Ask?
It’s important to question why Police Chief Lyle Lombard believes a new 20,000-square-foot police station is necessary. In fact, we have been criticized for not discussing the matter with the Chief and we freely admit that we haven’t. The reason? Because it’s not necessary. We already know his opinion because it is baked into the proposal for the bond and backed up by all the comments from the shills for the department.
The reality is that the police department has been operating efficiently out of just 3,000 square feet of retail space. Under Lombard’s leadership, Fate’s police officers have successfully maintained law and order, proving their capability with the existing resources at hand. Given this success, it seems highly excessive to multiply the department’s space by a factor of six without six-fold growth in either the city’s population or crime rate.
If the Chief feels that an expansion is necessary, a more moderate increase in space—such as relocating to a 6,000-square-foot facility—would suffice for at least the next few years. To argue that 20,000 square feet is essential defies logic and data. Fate has not seen exponential growth that would justify such an enormous increase in space, and it is unlikely to experience six times the growth in the near future. This oversized proposal not only strains taxpayers financially, but it also raises questions about whether city leadership is making data-driven decisions or pursuing grandiose projects that fail to deliver genuine value to residents.
If Construction Is the Path: Consider a Fabricated Steel Building
For those insisting on new construction, it’s critical to rethink the type of building the city aims to construct. Police stations do not need to be luxurious, architecturally ambitious buildings. If the City of Fate moves forward with construction, it should explore more affordable options, such as a fabricated steel structure. Prefabricated steel buildings offer durability, lower construction costs, and faster build times, making them a sensible alternative to the proposed $500-per-square-foot police station.
Building a functional, cost-efficient structure will ensure that the department has the resources it needs to operate effectively while remaining fiscally responsible. This approach also provides taxpayers with a more transparent use of their money, ensuring that funds are not being squandered on unnecessary extravagance.
This option would have led to a much significantly lower bond proposal. But the Council didn’t take the necessary time to evaluate all options. They simply wanted to force a bond through before the next Fate Council Election in May 2025 … fearing that they will lose two more seats to fiscal conservatives … and likely replacing City Manager, Michael Kovacs.
Leadership’s Role in Effective Planning: A Call for Change
If indeed Fate’s Department of Public Safety is facing critical space issues, the root of the problem lies in failed leadership. Michael Kovacs, has consistently shown a lack of effective planning and fiscal responsibility. Under his leadership, the city finds itself in a position where it must choose between heavy debt or inefficient use of existing facilities. This situation speaks to a larger issue of mismanagement and a lack of foresight in city planning.
A new City Manager, with a fresh perspective and a commitment to responsible governance, could steer Fate toward creative, practical solutions. New leadership would prioritize the long-term interests of residents, embracing more innovative and fiscally sound options. Michael Kovacs’ track record of wasteful spending, including the luxury of a private vehicle on the taxpayers’ dime and indulgent out-of-town conferences, highlights a failure to focus on the essential needs of the community. Fate’s taxpayers deserve leadership that prioritizes common-sense solutions over ego-driven projects.
Conclusion: Better Solutions Are Available
The proposed $20 million bond is not the only way to address the needs of Fate’s Department of Public Safety. Those within the City and those on the Council who are gaslighting citizens with hyperbolic claims of Citizen Safety on the line. Or those who make asinine claims of “Defunding the Police”, are doing damage to the reputation of our great city. There may be solutions that we haven’t even considered. What citizens need, is time. Time to consider other options. Time to find creative solutions.
Ultimately, the issues facing the DPS are not due to a lack of space, but rather due to poor leadership, ineffective planning, and a lack of vision. This decision should be pushed until after the May election, and after the Council is able to find a new city manager. Michael Kovacs’ tenure has shown a pattern of mismanagement and a lack of responsible planning. Residents should demand better and advocate for solutions that are realistic, efficient, and in the best interest of the taxpayers.
The proposed $20 million bond is not the answer to Fate’s public safety needs. There are smarter, more sustainable solutions available. It’s time for Fate to reject this costly proposal and demand accountability from its leadership. A new direction and fresh ideas can ensure that the city remains safe, while also protecting the financial well-being of its residents.