The Somers Point City Council approved Resolution No. 178 of 2025, authorizing requests for proposals (RFPs) for replacement of City Hall flooring, after an extended discussion about whether to continue investing in the existing building or instead pursue a new city facility through public-private partnership options.

Council member Johnston asked to remove the item from the consent agenda to allow discussion and later cast the lone recorded “no” vote when the council approved the RFP. “This building is old. It's too small… I feel like this is just another Band-Aid that we're putting on something that needs major surgery,” Johnston said, arguing the city should complete studies and pursue longer-term options before spending on interior repairs.

Council members on the Buildings and Grounds subcommittee and other colleagues said work on public-private partnership options is ongoing but that the RFP is limited in scope and would provide cost estimates that the city could accept or reject. One council member advocating for the RFP said it would allow the city to obtain bids and, if funding is available, to proceed; another noted employees and the public occupy the building and should not wait three to five years for a new facility. “This resolution is only to put out an RFP to gather quotes,” a council member said, adding the governing body would have an opportunity to reject quotes once received.

The council voted to authorize the RFP; the transcript records one member saying “I’m in no,” and the chair acknowledged one “no” vote. The motion carried. The RFP authorizes the city to solicit bids for floor replacement; the transcript does not specify an award amount, contract terms or a funding source. Council members discussed that the Buildings and Grounds subcommittee is working on options including public-private partnerships, structural assessments and potential renovation or replacement alternatives, but no binding direction to pursue a new building was approved at the meeting.