Corrosion within Kyle’s famous red, white and blue water tower is forcing the city to begin planning how it will fix the over 50-year-old structure. 

But with a possible price tag of roughly $800,000, officials question whether the city should rehab the tower, build a new one, or possibly tear it down. 

For Mayor Todd Webster, keeping the landmark upright is imperative.  

“There are a lot of new folks that may not appreciate the nature of the structure,” Webster said. “It is part of the history of the town. I don’t see us getting rid of it.” 

Steps toward the rehabilitating the city’s 100,000 gallon tower began late last year. According to City Manager Scott Sellers, the city engaged Texas Tank Services to conduct structural analysis for the water tower. 

According to Sellers, the analysis determined the tower is “nearing the end of its structural life as it relates to integrity of the metal itself.” 

While the structure has not been in use since the early 2000s, rust has built up around the lid of the water tower and is starting to eat away at the metal.  

City staffers were adamant that the water tower’s issues were “not catastrophic.” However, the report stated that the water tower “should be considered for rehabilitation ASAP.”

The analysis, conducted during an inspection on Nov. 3, 2014, showed the catwalk, external roof plates, water access hatch, internal sidewall plates and internal roof plates were in “fair” condition. Light to moderate surface corrosion was taking place, along with protective coating was peeling from the structure. 

The report recommended sealing holes in the internal roof plates of the structure that were caused by moderate corrosion. 

Several options are on the table for the city. Those include rehabilitating the tower to either put it back into service or to keep it as an icon. Building a completely new structure was also conceptualized. One option called for the city to tear the structure down. 

Both rehabilitation options, according to Sellers, featured “fairly substantive costs” of roughly $800,000. Those costs would come from the city’s utility fund and would be a part of Kyle’s fiscal year 2017 budget.  

However, Sellers said the city would be seeking a second opinion on the costs associated with fixing the tower. He said the city is not “ready to make a decision” at this time. 

According to city public information officer Jerry Hendrix, future discussions will revolve around keeping the tower in place.  

“Whether it will be restored, refurbished or replaced, there will be a red, white and blue water tower,” he said. 

But, at this point, the city council must contemplate which option they will choose. 

For Webster, a model the city commissioned to determine water pressure in Old Town Kyle might be a determining factor. Webster said there has been a slight water pressure drop in the area after the tower was decommissioned.  

Webster said putting the tower back in service could “be an advantage” to Old Town, if more pressure is needed. 

In addition, council must contemplate the future lifespan of the tower. Assistant City Manager James Earp informed council at the first budget retreat Saturday that a newly built tower would last 50-years; remodeling the current structure would last one-third of that time span.  

Councilwoman Samantha Bellows said rebuilding the tower could be the “fiscally responsible thing to do.” While she understood the need to preserve the original structure, she also cited the similar cost for rehabbing and rebuilding the tower. The shorter lifespan of rehabilitation also played a factor. 

Bellows said she’d advocate for the tower to be turned into a historical marker. 

But restoring or replacing the tower could trigger strong emotions from the community. 

Webster said working collaboratively with citizens interested in historic buildings and structures could be a vital step. 

Ultimately, the decision might have to be made when the second cost analysis comes in. “If we get multiple opinions that say we can’t save this thing, then let’s look at the water model and let’s see what we can do,” Webster said.