Four cities break ground on joint-use jail and animal shelter facility in Keller

With our powers combined...

KELLER — City officials took a big step Friday in a future facility that will better serve Southlake and its neighboring cities of Keller, Colleyville and Westlake.

Area leaders broke ground for the renovations and expansion of the regional jail and animal services facility, located at 330 Rufe Snow Drive.

The expansions total about 21,000 feet. The holding facility is expected to be complete by February 2014, and the animal shelter should be finished by May 2014.

Among the improvements is expansion of the 20-year-old holding facility, which is about 2,000 square feet. Rachel Reynolds, spokeswoman for the city of Keller, said the new building will be about 12,400 square feet, increasing its detention capacity from 13 people to 46 people.

“It is expected to handle the needs of the four cities for the next 20 years,” Reynolds said.

Renovations will also offer additional security for employees and short-term detainees, upgrade technology and provide a kiosk for family members and friends to pay detainees’ bonds.

The 500-square-foot adoption center is expected to increase to 9,400 square feet upon completion. It now holds 36 animals but will be able to hold about 100 animals with the renovation, Reynolds said.

The expansion will also include a new 1,700-square-foot dog courtyard, a medical area for minor surgical procedures, a larger adoption and socialization area and room to expand the center’s volunteer program.

The project also includes a complete transformation of the municipal court.

The project is expected to cost about $8.6 million, which is funded by Keller’s Crime Control and Prevention District, though Keller is expected to receive $400,000 from Southlake and Colleyville over the lifetime of the 10-year joint-use contract.

Southlake, Keller, Colleyville and Westlake joined together to share the animal services operation last October. Southlake and Keller reached a partnership for shared jail use in 2007, followed by Colleyville in 2010.

Reynolds said Southlake is expected to save about $8,800 a year by combining its services with Keller.