Police Facility Focus Group Committee

The Odessa Police Facility Focus Group was formed, consisting of Odessa residents, to assess the current and future needs of the Odessa Police Department, and by extension, the public safety needs of the Odessa community. The group's mission was to recommend options that align with public values, support the operational requirements of the Odessa Police Department, address both present and future community needs, and ensure the fiscal responsible use of taxpayer dollars. After extensive research, deliberation, and community input, guided by the group's mission and goals, they concluded that the construction of a new police facility and the implementation of a dedicated public safety sales tax are critical investments in the safety and well-being of Odessa. The following recommendations were reached, which were presented to the Odessa Board of Aldermen.

GOALS

• The facility will be located in an area that ensures accessibility for all residents and supports optimal response times.
• The facility will serve the needs of the community.
• The facility will meet past and future growth needs, ensuring it serves generations to come and allows for potential expansion.
• The focus group will provide recommendations that prioritize financial responsibility.

NECESSITY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ENHANCED PUBLIC SAFETY

The current police facility is inadequate and unsafe to meet the present and future needs of our growing community. It suffers from overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, lack of secure evidence storage, officer safety and public safety hazards. A new facility is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our police department and to provide a secure and welcoming environment for our citizens. Furthermore, we recognize the need for ongoing public safety improvements beyond just the police facility.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

The Focus Group recommends the construction of a new police facility on the city-owned property located at 104 E Dryden - corner of Dryden and 1st Street - the property is directly across from the Odessa Post Office. This location offers land that is adequately sized to accommodate new construction plus foreseeable growth. The location is city-owned and central to the community served. This location aligns with our goal of ensuring accessibility for all residents and supporting optimal response times. After thorough evaluation, the Focus Group determined that there are no existing structures that can responsibly meet the department's needs at a cost lower than new construction.

FACILITY DESIGN RECOMMENDATION: NEW FACILITY PROGRAMMING

Recognizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and prioritizing core police operations, officer safety and citizen safety we recommend a focused approach to the new facility's programming. We understand that overall design significantly impacts project costs, and therefore, suggest a reduction in the initial facility footprint to align with current construction budgets. Additionally, we recommend that cost-effective building materials be carefully considered during the design and construction phases to further reduce the overall project cost. While this may result in a smaller initial scope than previously envisioned, it is crucial that the design incorporates strategic planning for future growth and expansion. We believe that the exterior materials of any police facility design should match the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood. 

FUNDING STRATEGY: 3/8 CENT PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX

To finance the construction of this project, the Focus Group proposes placing a 3/8 cent public safety sales tax question on the ballot for voter approval. We recommend structuring the repayment of the associated debt over a period of 25 to 30 years, depending on the most favorable terms available at the time of financing. Furthermore, we specifically recommend that the revenue generated by this sales tax be used exclusively to pay off the debt incurred for the new police facility and to fund ongoing building maintenance. This dedicated funding approach will ensure the fiscally responsible use of taxpayer dollars, focusing solely on the facility's construction and upkeep, rather than broader public safety initiatives.

TIMING OF TAX QUESTION

To allow for adequate community engagement and education regarding the proposed project and the public safety benefits of the sales tax, the Focus Group recommends placing the sales tax question on the ballot no earlier than April 2026. This timeline will provide sufficient time to:

• Develop site plans, conceptual plans and cost estimates for the police facility, meeting our goal of serving the needs of the community.
• Outline and communicate the intended uses of the public safety sales tax revenue.
• Conduct public information sessions to address community questions and concerns.
• Ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.

TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

To ensure transparency and maximize community engagement throughout this process, we recommend the City of Odessa utilize a variety of media formats beyond our current efforts. In addition to open meetings, YouTube streaming/recordings, publicly available documents, and the community feedback form, which are all accessible on the City of Odessa website under the Police Focus Group section, we suggest the following: actively promote the project through diverse media channels, host community events and open houses at the current facility with virtual options, engage with local news outlets. We recommend the Board of Aldermen consider establishing an oversight board to monitor the use of public safety tax dollars. This comprehensive approach will further enhance transparency, foster open communication, and ensure that the project reflects the values and priorities of the Odessa community.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

• Ensuring the new facility is designed to meet the long-term needs of the Odessa Police Department, fulfilling the goal of meeting future growth needs.
• Allocate the public safety sales tax revenue responsibly to ensure the facility meets critical needs in officer safety, evolving policing tactics, community policing initiatives, and long-term maintenance.
• Maintaining fiscal responsibility throughout the project and ongoing funding.
• Prioritizing community input and transparency.