Lexington council accepts city hall renovation bid; agrees to cover roughly $750,000 shortfall with bond interest and surplus

The Lexington City Council voted to accept a construction bid for the city hall renovation and authorized staff to use a mix of bond interest, capital balances and an anticipated fiscal‑year 2025 surplus to cover an estimated $750,000 funding shortfall.

Council members approved the award after reviewing the project scope, estimated costs and funding options; the decision followed a presentation by project manager Patrick Madigan and budget discussion by staff. The council recorded an affirmative vote with one member absent.

The project matter was urgent to council because the building requires a full systems replacement and safety upgrades, and the council has previously authorized a $6.5 million bond for facility work. The accepted package keeps the core renovation on schedule while relying on identified contingency and near‑term revenues to close the remaining budget gap.

Madigan, the city project manager, told council the work will “be gutting and coming back in with new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing throughout, you know, new roof and, a new entrance.” He outlined additional elements that include new IT infrastructure and an IT/server room sized to…