The Keller City Council gave city staff the go-ahead to move forward with plans for restrooms along Bates Street. The discussion took place at a work session on Nov. 3, after the regular council meeting.
Public Works Director Alonzo Liñán proposed moving the project from fiscal year 2027-28 to fiscal year 2026-27. Council Member Greg Will said rising costs made him prefer locking in current prices. The tentative site is next to Bates Street Park, though other locations are possible depending on utility relocations.
Liñán said the prefabricated building would cost $475,000 to $535,000. The city would budget $500,000 to $600,000 for the full project, including extra features such as a shade structure, a drinking fountain alcove and a possible mural. Those additions would cost $41,000 to $51,000. The building would include two stalls each in men's and women's restrooms and two family/ADA-accessible restrooms with baby-changing stations. Liñán said it would take six to eight months to finish, and that the city could buy from a vetted vendor through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative without seeking bids.
Council members kept a playground equipment project at Johnson Road Park on its current schedule, after it was discussed as a possible source of funds. Liñán said the restrooms are expected to open near the end of Elm Street Road construction, which is expected to finish at the end of 2027, with a ribbon-cutting planned for spring 2028. City Manager Aaron Rector said staff will post a notice for a budget amendment, and council would then need to approve the purchase contract.