The Town of Anthony is going all in on a new public safety complex, approving a $6.1 million borrowing plan this week for a building that will pull triple duty as a police station, municipal court and emergency shelter. City leaders are selling the project as both critical emergency infrastructure and a year-round community hub, with space planned for senior programs and after-school activities. Groundbreaking is set for June 22, and officials estimate construction will run about 305 days.
What the New Building Will Include
The town’s construction solicitation describes a compact, multi-use facility that would centralize police operations, house a municipal courtroom, and provide a space that can switch between emergency shelter and community room. The layout and specs appear in the town’s bid notice and related procurement ads, which sought construction proposals earlier this year, according to Gannett Classifieds.
How the Project Will Be Funded
Council signed off on a $6.1 million certificate of obligation to cover most of the cost, using a borrowing tool that is generally repaid with property tax revenue. The package also includes a $1.9 million federal grant routed through Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s office, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture listed as the funding source, as reported by KFOX14/CBS4.
Why Leaders Say Anthony Needs It
City Administrator and Police Chief Carlos Enriquez said the current town hall "has already been outgrown by leaps and bounds." He told reporters the new shelter space is intended to plug a serious gap in local emergency response, explaining, "We don't have a place to house people if they get displaced from their home." Enriquez said the facility is expected to serve Upper Valley neighbors, including Anthony, New Mexico, and that it will double as a venue for senior programs and after-school activities when it is not being used as a shelter, according to KFOX14/CBS4.
Next Steps and Local Timeline
Bids were requested earlier this year, and the town says the existing City Hall at 401 Wildcat Drive will stay open while departments gradually transition into the new building. Residents who want to follow the money and the timeline can dig into council agendas and procurement files, including earlier meeting records, minutes, and solicitation materials in the public documents section of the Town of Anthony site.
