Entering budget season, the City of Levelland held a preliminary budget meeting last week that was dedicated to the city’s capital improvement plan.
Each department head within the City of Levelland went over possible projects that could be approved under the overall capital improvement planned which looks forward five years in advance.
Levelland Interim City Manager Joe Cavazos, Interim began the meeting by informing the council that the plan would be first on the budget agenda as it is where a bulk of funds and larger items would be.
Chief Building Inspector Joe Shedd Gave spoke to the group for the Inspections Department. Breaking down the numbers and topics within the department, Shedd’s presentation regarding the department was brief.
Seeking an approved amount $106,000 over the next five years, Shedd explained the department is needing to replace a truck which would be an estimated cost of $48,000. Looking ahead, an additional vehicle would need to be replaced in the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year. Continuing his timeline breakdown, a replacement mower is predicted to be needed in the 2027-2028 year given the increase of mowing due to projected rainfall. A new mower is estimated to cost roughly $6,000.
Main Street Manager Tania Moody gave her presentation regarding the future of the department.
For the upcoming year, Moody highlighted minor fixes such as repainting striping on curbs and fixing retro light poles. Additionally, the big focus discussed with the group was the relocation of her office to the downtown area. Moody explained that she feels it would be a better place to help facilitate her responsibilities. Moving the office downtown as well as installing signage estimated to be roughly $50,000.
With the amount of items needed to moved around for each event including the planters that are already placed around the downtown area, Moody discussed the purchase of a UTV that would be utilized by her department. The estimated cost was roughly $20,000.
Looking toward the future, Moody would like to install more light poles while also transitioning power poles and electrical cables to an underground setup. In addition to those future plans, a possible wifi setup to cover the square was suggested. A new gateway, additional signage and larger trees for added shade were also on the budget as well for an estimated $500,000 over the next five years.
Levelland Police Chief Albert Garcia gave his presentation that highlighted a new Law Enforcement Center.
It was discussed with council that the possibility of constructing a new Law Enforcement Center next to the Levelland Fire Department for the amount of $15 million. Garcia explained that the project was mentioned for the council to keep the idea in their minds in the future.
Other items discussed for the department included replacing police cruisers. The cost of replacing three cruisers in the upcoming fiscal year was estimated at $180,000, however that price has increased due to inflation and cost of parts. It is estimated that the cost for three cruisers will be closer to $225,000.
A new repeater tower was also brought to the groups attention as the department would like to install it in the city. The new tower would pull in Emergency Management, EMS, LFD and LPD to expand the reach of all departments.
Factors such as location, cost and additional infrastructure questions still needed to be analyzed and $500,000 was a ballpark number placed on the project.
For the Animal Control side of the department, a remodeling on the shelter was needed in the amount of $30,000. Additionally, a replacement vehicle for the department was needed and priced at an additional $110,000.
For the Levelland Fire Department and Emergency Management, items discussed focussed around replacing older vehicles.
Levelland Fire Chief Jay McKay spoke on behalf of the department. One item discussed with council was replacing outdated Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, which would sit around $76,000 for a set of eight. Additionally, it was brought to the group’s attention to possibly bring in a new Command II Vehicle to replace an older model with 150,000 miles. The cost associated would roughly sit at $60,000.
For the Emergency Management Department, a Satellite Communication for the Emergency Operations Center, and portable radio replacements was estimated at $19,500 for the upcoming year. An enclosed 24 foot trailer with a generator and air conditioning was discussed as it would roughly cost $15,000.
Replacement of the primary vehicle utilized by Emergency Management Coordinator Cole Kirkland for the department was discussed for an estimated amount of $65,000.
Director of Street and Sanitation Kevin Hurn and Cavazos represented the remaining departments during the remainder of the discussion.
Some of the more pressing items on the lists included installing better cooling for the shop and equipment repair.
Hurn requested $5,000 for a port-a-cooler that would alleviate some strain on employees. A vehicle lift that was past its prime was beginning to show signs of aging. The lift was last rebuilt in 1994, and has been struggling. The cost associated with the lift was an estimated $14,000.
Also discussed was another Type Fourt pit for construction and demolition refuse that is needed as the previous pit reaches capacity. This would cost the city around $500,000.
For the Water and Wastewater Department, the lift station located near the high school and sewer lines are needing work. Additionally, a sewer line needs to be dropped in addition to upgrades for fire hydrants and the pump station. For the department, those tasks have been placed on the plan with the hope of addressing those over the course of the next few years.
Cavazos presented the requests for the Cemetery and Parks Department, which included adding new equipment that is needed.
Mowers were the main concern as they’re utilized often and on a wide range across the city. These cost estimated for replacing the mowers was $60,000. Different pickups and trailers also made the list, as did new spray rigs.
A key item discussed was the City Park rehabilitation, phase two of the Oxy Sports Complex, and paving walking trail. Development of the southwest portion of the cemetery, remodeling of the Civic Center.