Voters will decide on proposed animal welfare facility

On April 1, 2025, Stillwater voters will decide whether or not they want to fund a new animal welfare facility with an $8.75 million general obligation bond. City Councilors passed a resolution at Monday’s meeting to authorize the election.

Initial project plans show a 12,200 sqft facility that almost quadruples the space in the current 37-year-old facility. The design allows animal welfare to house 47 dogs and 42 cats, double their current capacity. The location and design also allow for future expansion of kennels and catteries. Something that was not possible with the current facility.

image shows project budget of $8.75 million with 7.2 to construction and other project costs — In the Jan. 13, 2025, meeting, city staff's presentation showed a cost target of $590 per square foot and a total construction cost of $7.2 million. Other items, including bond insurance, furnishing, security, information technology, utilities, designs, surveys, and contingency, make up the difference. – City of Stillwater presentation

In the Council's discussion of the millage rate on property taxes, councilors shared their perspectives and how Stillwater compares to other cities in Oklahoma.

“So out of about almost 102 mills, we [Stillwater] account for two,” Councilor Christie Hawkins said. “This would put us at about 3.93 so still pretty low certainly in comparison to other entities as well as … some of the communities around Oklahoma.”

Renderings show the lobby and separate entrances for the kennels and catteries. – renderings by Barrett L. Williamson Architects

Another angle Hawkins looked at was average millage rate over the past 25 years. Hawkins estimated Stillwater’s at 5.5 mills.

“And we have been below that average for 10 or 11 years,” Hawkins said. “I think that’s a really important thing as we think about this, that to provide some of those amenities the community wants, we have to be willing to invest.”

Mayor Will Joyce listed the millage rates from other communities around the state.

“Oklahoma City currently right about 15 mills, Tulsa is about 17, Norman’s over 12, Broken Arrow’s 16, Lawton is almost 11, Bartlesville is 15,” Joyce said. “This is not a huge increase compared to … the communities around us who are also trying to pay for things in their cities.”

The proposed floor plan for the new animal welfare facility. The grey area at the bottom of the drawing is a sally port that allows for pets to loaded and unloaded without the risk of escape. – rendering by Barrett L. Williamson Architects

📺 Watch the recorded meeting on YouTube

Video playback should start at the presentation and discussion of the animal welfare bond at the 13 minute mark.

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