Wichita Falls Approves $50M in City Projects

City to take on debt to fund police HQ, park upgrades, and more

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The City of Wichita Falls is planning to take on $27 million in debt to fund three major projects, including renovating a middle school into a new police headquarters, upgrading The Falls recreation area, and improving the Circle Trail at Lake Wichita Park. The 4B Sales Tax Corporation board unanimously approved the 20-year debt plan, which will not raise property taxes.

Why it matters

These infrastructure investments aim to modernize the city's public safety operations, enhance recreational amenities, and improve connectivity for residents. The projects are expected to boost quality of life and economic development in Wichita Falls.

The details

The three projects approved by the 4B board include: 1) Renovating Kirby Middle School into a new police department headquarters, with an anticipated opening in September 2027; 2) $4-6.1 million in upgrades to The Falls recreation area; and 3) $5.5 million in improvements to the Circle Trail at Lake Wichita Park. The city plans to use a certificate of obligation, a type of municipal debt, to fund the projects upfront rather than waiting to set aside funds.

  • The 4B board unanimously approved the 20-year debt plan on March 5, 2026.
  • City councilors will vote on a notice of intent during the March 17, 2026 meeting.
  • Final approval and funding for the projects is expected during the May 19, 2026 meeting.

The players

Stephen Calvert

Wichita Falls Director of Finance, who presented the project proposals to the 4B board.

Blake Jurecek

Wichita Falls Assistant City Manager, who provided details on the police headquarters renovation project.

Russell Schreiber

Wichita Falls Director of Public Works, who discussed the estimated $4-6.1 million in upgrades to The Falls recreation area.

Tyson Traw

Wichita Falls Deputy Director of Public Works, who estimated the $5.5 million in improvements to the Circle Trail at Lake Wichita Park.

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What they’re saying

“[It] puts the funds available now, as opposed to having to wait, and you pay as you go. The costs are not going to get any cheaper, as we will be working to set aside funds.”

— Stephen Calvert, Wichita Falls Director of Finance (texomashomepage.com)

What’s next

City councilors will vote on a notice of intent during the March 17, 2026 meeting, and final approval and funding for the projects is expected during the May 19, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

Wichita Falls is making significant investments in public safety, recreation, and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life and economic development in the city. By taking on debt now, the city aims to get ahead of rising costs and deliver these much-needed projects more quickly.