Page 20 - Keller FY20 Approved Budget

heart attack patients. And the department was just awarded a grant by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency for replacement Self‐Contained Breathing Apparatus.

This year’s Fire Department budget includes upgrades and additions to existing equipment, including a
second set of bunker gear, a thermal imaging camera, an outdoor siren repeater and an additional cradle
point, which provides system connectivity to the backup ambulance. In addition, the city will be creating
a Fire/EMS replacement fund that will provide future replacement funding for the life‐saving equipment
being purchased in FY 2019‐20.

Parks & Recreation

Keller also continues to be recognized for its award‐winning parks and recreation system. The Keller
Development Corporation, which administers the 1/2‐cent of sales tax revenue dedicated to parks and
recreation capital projects, is continually seeking ways to fund and expand those amenities citywide.

As part of the Keller Development Corporation’s FY 2019‐20 budget, the city has plans to replace the
“Bridge” playground located at Bear Creek Park; make improvements to the Keller Sports Park parking lot
(C Pad); and continue to maintain funding for ongoing trail expansions and park equipment replacements.
In FY 2018‐19, the city committed funds to improving Overton Ridge Park in northwest Keller, including
adding a small playground, restroom facility, passive play area and seating as well as expanding the trail
system and parking amenities.

The Keller Pointe has also continued to improve its facility the past two years with both cosmetic upgrades
and new fitness equipment. For 2019‐20, The Pointe budget includes funds for indoor pool slide and
plaster repairs of $397,222, additional funding for the locker room renovation of $230,000 and spin bike
replacements of $72,420.

Public Works

The city maintains a five‐year Capital Improvements Plan to address current and future needs, ensuring
we maintain and improve our safe and efficient roadways, sidewalks, and water, wastewater and drainage
systems. This allows the city to budget projects and seek financial assistance as needed by applying for
grants or partnering with Tarrant County and surrounding cities. The five‐year plan, which can be found
in the CIP section of the adopted budget, anticipates investing approximately $47.8 million into street
projects, $9.4 million into water projects, $3.1 million into wastewater projects, and $2.1 into drainage
projects for a total $76.2 million investment into the city’s infrastructure. Approximately half of the
improvements will be cash funded.

Streets

FY 2019‐20 street projects include street maintenance for $1.5 million, the reconstruction of Johnson
Road for $3 million, the Bear Creek and Whitley roundabout for $1.2 million, traffic channelization at
North Tarrant Parkway and Lakeview Drive for $150,000, a pavement condition study for $125,000, and
sidewalk construction repairs for $351,693. The investment into sidewalks has been a continued priority
as the annual expenditure has increased from just $30,000 six years ago. In addition, the streets division
will also be covering half the cost of replacing the city’s Gradall excavator for $185,000. The piece of heavy
equipment is primarily used to clear drainage channels and break up street pavement; the other half of
its replacement cost is coming from the Drainage Fund.

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