Hutto City Council approved plans for a $39.8 million Hutto Public Works facility to house employees and public works divisions at its meeting Nov. 21

The details

Engineering consultant Sunland Group, in conjunction with the city of Hutto, identified the need for an expanded public works facility due to exponential population growth. Hutto had a population of 1,250 in 2000, which has grown to a population of 41,285, according to Sunland.

“It’s a good thing that you’re recognizing this curve and you’re taking action now because it’s only going to continue,” said Dale Austin, a representative with Sunland.

The city also expects public works staff to double in the next 10 years. Sunland’s plan to accommodate the growth includes utilizing the existing facility and building a new structure on city-owned land.

Digging deeper

The existing 4.55-acre facility is south of Hwy. 79, adjacent to the North Wastewater Treatment Plant. This facility houses some of the staff, while other public works employees work out of City Hall. Of the current public works building, which includes portable offices, many of it is over utilized, Sunland representative Tristan Snyder said.

“As the city keeps growing and as the city brings on more public works staffing, you’re going to need more equipment—you’re going to need more space for materials,” he said.

Hutto’s long-term goal includes completely consolidating all of the public works divisions. However, due to costs, Sunland outlined a plan to build additional facilities on 31.5 acres of unused land at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The department would continue to use the original space, with plans for renovation. New buildings include an administration and crew building, division workshop building, fleet maintenance building and warehouse building.

Cost for the initial build totals $39.8 million using this phased approach.

What’s next?

Although City Council approved the plans, Sunland is still in the early stages and could adjust plans as the project progresses.