Brownwood City Council has awarded Waldrop Construction a $3,975,707 contract to renovate the Bennie Houston Recreation Center, a project supported in part by the city’s largest Texas Parks & Wildlife Department grant to date.
The council unanimously approved the contract after an executive session during its Tuesday morning meeting. The $1.5 million grant will help pay for construction, abatement, project costs and grant administration.
Renovation expected to take 330 days
City Manager Marshall McIntosh said the city began a competitive sealed-bid process in August. Six general contractors from Abilene, Waco, Brownwood and outside the state submitted proposals.
After the public bid opening, city officials evaluated and ranked the proposals. Architects Jacob & Martin also reviewed the plans and looked for potential cost-saving measures.
The project includes major demolition and reconstruction of the existing recreation center, along with improvements to the surrounding site. The estimated construction period is 330 consecutive calendar days.
Sam Waldrop of Waldrop Construction told the council the company was excited to take on what he called a landmark project focused on the Brownwood community and families. He also said the project would support local businesses, employees and families.
Other city contracts and purchases approved
The council also approved a $115,960 base bid from Metro Elevator of Woodway for modernization of the City Hall hydraulic elevator. The elevator has been out of service since the beginning of August 2026.
The city solicited bids from three elevator maintenance companies. Otis Elevator Company submitted a bid of $117,822, Metro Elevator bid $115,960, and Prestige Elevator Services LLC bid $152,200. All three bids referenced state contracts.
Metro Elevator’s modernization scope includes replacing equipment in the machine room and hoistway, car interior fixtures such as the operating panel and pushbuttons, hallway fixtures and certain elevator pit equipment. Other systems and items will be retained.
Officials also approved a two-year pest-control contract with Andy’s Pest Troopers at $2,633 per month, or $31,596 annually. The current contract expires Sept. 30. Andy’s was the only company to submit a quote for the 2026-2028 term after the city solicited Akin Pest Control, Orkin Pest Control, Pest Patrol and Andy’s Pest Troopers.
The new monthly amount is $198 higher than the company’s 2024 bid of $2,435.
Additional approvals included water and sewer utility-parts bids for APSCO and Core & Main for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. City staff received two qualifying proposals, with APSCO receiving the local-preference percentage on its pricing.
The council also approved 12 new capital leases with Citizens National Bank and assigned a property-tax pledge, as well as the Brownwood Municipal Police Association Meet and Confer contract.
National Night Out plans include 13 block parties
The city received an update on National Night Out, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6. Thirteen block parties are currently planned within Brownwood city limits.
Police Chief James Fuller encouraged residents who want to organize another block party to contact the Brownwood Police Department. A briefing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. that day at the Law Enforcement Center, where residents may pair with officers for visits around town.
Fuller said the event will give residents and police an opportunity to meet, discuss crime prevention and learn about city facilities and opportunities while engaging with the community.