Gatesville Considers New Police Facility Near ISD Campuses
Gatesville leaders announced plans to evaluate a new police facility after concluding the current station no longer meets operational needs, and identified 2525 Osage Road as a preferred site. The proposal matters to residents because it could improve public safety operations, place the department closer to Gatesville ISD campuses, and require city financial decisions that will affect local budgets.
City and police officials said the Gatesville Police Department has outgrown its current building and is reviewing options for either a new facility or a major remodel. On December 3 leaders reported that a previous contract with MRB Group for architectural and engineering services produced a review showing a new facility at 2525 Osage Road, the former Rotunda Nursing Home property, would provide more space, improved parking and a location closer to Gatesville ISD campuses.
Officials described several shortcomings at the existing station. Secure evidence storage is inadequate, office space is limited, the heating and air systems fall below current standards, and overall space is insufficient to support patrol operations, dispatch and investigations. Those constraints, they say, limit the department's ability to operate efficiently and to expand services as community needs evolve.
No final plan or City Council approval has been made. City leaders said planning is ongoing and they will explore funding options if they move forward, including debt structuring, grants and low interest loans. Any decision would include financial review and community input before returning to the council for formal consideration.
The proposal carries practical implications for Gatesville residents. A facility with larger evidence storage and enhanced dispatch and investigative space could reduce operational bottlenecks, improve case handling and shorten response coordination times. Locating the station closer to school campuses may support faster emergency response to Gatesville ISD properties and strengthen coordination with school officials, a factor likely to interest families and district administrators.
Repurposing the former Rotunda Nursing Home site also raises questions about traffic, parking and neighborhood impact for adjacent properties. As leaders consider financing paths, residents can expect budget discussions that will weigh public safety benefits against long term fiscal commitments. City officials emphasized that they will solicit community perspectives as plans develop and that no construction or financing decisions have been finalized.
