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The Farmers Branch City Council received updates July 1 on two major projects: A park development that would require an additional $2 million and a proposed $10,000 sponsorship of an international firefighter competition.
Parks and Recreation Director Robert Diaz presented updated cost estimates showing the Mercer Park project would cost approximately $3.062 million to complete all amenities at once, significantly higher than the original $1.055 million budget approved for a phased approach.
"We're looking at another about $2 million to build everything turnkey," Diaz said during the study session. "That's the project estimate we have at this point."
The Mercer Crossing development began in 2017 with developer Centurion American Inc. The city entered into a development agreement for infrastructure improvements and the park area. In September 2024, the developer completed their required improvements and the city took ownership of the property.
The updated cost estimate includes $2.36 million for earthwork, site features and playground installation, a 20 percent contingency fee of $472,080 and $229,550 for project engineering and design services.
The city currently has approximately $950,000 remaining in the project budget. Diaz said that about $100,000 has already been spent on irrigation, tree installation and turf for the southern portion of the park.
Councilman Omar Roman emphasized the importance of fulfilling promises made to residents. "I want to make sure that what was promised to the residents at that time is what will be delivered," Roman said.
The council also reviewed a proposed sponsorship agreement for the Firefighter Challenge World Championship, scheduled for Oct. 20-25 at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus. Special Projects Manager Jose Garibay presented the opportunity to sponsor the international competition for $10,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of people from across the United States and 17 countries. The tourism team has blocked 600 hotel rooms to accommodate visitors.
"We're expecting a turnout of 800 attendees," Garibay said. "This will include athletes, volunteers, families and different guests."
Under the proposed sponsorship agreement, the city would waive local fees and permits, allow connection to on-site water hydrants, help promote the event for volunteers and provide $10,000 from hotel occupancy tax revenues.
In return, the city would receive prominent logo placement on marketing materials, signage and competitor t-shirts, a 15-second commercial aired daily during live streaming and opportunities for the mayor and council to welcome athletes at receptions.
"The city logo will be used for all marketing efforts and included in key signage, entrance websites and t-shirts," Garibay said.
Council members expressed strong support for the firefighter championship sponsorship.
"I'm supportive of it," Councilman Roman said. Councilmembers Tina Bennett-Burton and David Reid also voiced approval for the event.
"Very supportive of the event," Reid said, asking about scheduling conflicts with the national pickleball championships planned for Oct. 31 through Nov. 9
Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca thanked staff for bringing quality programming to the city. "Thank you so much for all of these amazing programs you're bringing to our city," she said.
For the Mercer Park project, if the council proceeds with the phased approach, Diaz estimated the northern portion could be completed by summer 2026, with design taking three to six months and construction lasting six to nine months.
Council members expressed general support for moving forward with park development, though they favored the phased approach given budget constraints.
"Given the flat and tight budget that we're coming up, I would lean towards more of a phased approach and try but still try to get it going as quickly as we can," Councilmember Roger Neal said.
Both items are expected to return to future council meetings for formal approval, with staff preparing agreements for the firefighter championship sponsorship and design contracts for the park development.
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