Page 375 - FY 2023-24 ADOPTED BUDGET

began construction of the new Westpark Elementary School in 2015; the 80,281 square-foot
elementary school opened for the 2016-17 school year. The new school supports the continued

transition to Benbrook Middle/High School which welcomed its first sophomore class for the 2015-
16 school year.

February featured the awarding of a design contract for the new animal shelter; the construction
contract was awarded in September. Engineering and construction plans were developed for the
extension of Vista Way from Mercedes Street to the Interstate 20 frontage road – just west and
parallel to Benbrook Boulevard; this roadway is another project to improve and to encourage
commercial development.

The year 2017 marked a significant uptick in the Benbrook housing market with new homes
constructed in five new subdivisions.

In 2019 we saw the completion of the City’s new Animal Shelter Building along with several other
projects, including Vista Way Extension, Benbrook Field Drive, Plantation West Drainage, Police
Building Drainage, and the Police Department Jail Renovation. Highway 377 was substantially
complete in 2018 with the irrigation being installed in 2019 and the landscaping being complete in

2020.

In 2019 once again several events took place. In March the Benbrook’s Relay for Life, the American
Cancer Society’s annual event that supports the fight against cancer, honors cancer survivors and
their caretakers, and remembers those who lost their battle. In September the City had its annual
Trash Bash where volunteers picked up trash in Dutch Branch Park. In October the City had its annual
Heritage Fest at Dutch Branch Park. Benbrook will end the year with Holiday in the Park with
fireworks, Christmas tree lighting, and other events to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and to give

thanks.

2020

In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world. Businesses were shut down to prevent the
spread of the virus. Citizens were required to wear masks covering their mouth and nose, and wash
hands frequently. In addition, Texas Senate Bill 2 went into effect reducing the property tax cap on

M&O from 8 percent to 3.5 percent. To better position the City for potential loss of revenue no
decision packages were approved in the 2020-21 budget.

2021

In 2021 the Benbrook citizens voted to approve the issuance of $22.0 million in General Obligation
bonds for the construction of a new municipal complex that will house City Administration, the
Police Department, and Senior Center. Existing buildings will be torn down and the new municipal
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