Fort Atkinson completes move into new Public Works and Parks Operations facility; project nearing final closeout and ribbon-cutting set for July 25

Public Works Superintendent Williamson told the City Council Tuesday that the new Public Works and Parks Operations facility is fully operational and nearly complete, with final closeout and landscaping tasks remaining. The facility at 600 Telkot Avenue is being used daily, Williamson said, and the city plans a community open house and ribbon-cutting on Friday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Williamson walked the council through recent construction milestones including paving, final grading, installation of fence posts and gates, landscaping preparations, and interior furnishings. He reported an original construction contract of about $11,544,000 with a 5% contingency taken to $12,121,200; completed costs to date were reported as $11,516,566 (about 96% complete). With remaining holdbacks, staff estimated the project would finish roughly $166,000 under the approved total budget.

Williamson also reported FF&E (furnishings, fixtures and equipment) spending at about $414,900 of a $545,000 allocation and said site punch-list items — striping, gate electronics, final fencing and landscaping — should be completed in the coming weeks. Councilmembers praised staff for bringing the large project to near completion within the budget envelope and noted long-term savings versus maintaining the older facility.

The council and staff said the new facility design is expected to serve the city for multiple decades and that a final closeout report will be provided as remaining items are completed.