The Corvallis City Council held a work session on November 7, 2024, focusing on the future of the city hall and municipal court facilities. The discussions centered around two main options for the new city campus: renovating the existing city hall or constructing a new building while potentially preserving the current structure.

Council members debated the merits of keeping the council chambers and court within the existing city hall versus relocating them to a new facility. One key point raised was the accessibility of the council chambers and court, with some members advocating for their placement in the new building to enhance public access. However, concerns were expressed about the existing city hall's suitability for office use, given its original design as a church, which complicates efficient space planning.

The financial implications of each option were also a significant topic of discussion. Moving the council chambers to the new building would incur additional costs, with estimates suggesting a $12 million difference between the two options. Council members emphasized the need to gauge public opinion on whether preserving the current city hall is worth this substantial investment.

Another point of contention was the potential need for a parking structure. Some council members expressed skepticism about the necessity of such a facility, citing concerns about its environmental impact and the overall cost.

As the council continues to explore these options, they plan to engage the public further, particularly regarding the financial aspects and the value of preserving the historic city hall. The next meeting will include discussions on public surveys to gather community input on these critical decisions.