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Homewood committee approves downtown police substation at City Hall, designates parking
Summary
The Finance Committee authorized creating a small police substation in City Hall, approved use of existing furniture funds for fit‑out and designated two to three parking spaces for police vehicles.
The Homewood Finance Committee voted to approve a downtown police substation inside City Hall and to designate two to three parking spaces near the plaza for police vehicles.
Mayor Alex introduced the proposal and said the city has underused space downstairs that would accommodate two or three officers to check in and out of City Hall. "We've got some space downstairs... We could easily put in a couple, 3 officers, and have them checking in and out of City Hall," the mayor said at the Oct. 6 meeting.
The committee discussed estimated fit‑out costs. Staff estimated the cost to furnish cubicles and related fixtures at roughly $30,000 to $50,000. Kale Smith (staff) told councilors that money likely already exists in the city’s furniture budget, removing the need for a separate appropriation. "Money exists in the furniture budget. So you're not transferring money or creating new money," Smith said.
Council members also directed staff to identify two or three parking spaces on the plaza to reserve for police vehicles so officers always have a place to park when checking in. The motion approved the substation concept and authorized designation of two to three parking spaces, with the fit‑out to proceed using existing furniture budget funds.
Motion and vote: Councilor Aleman moved to approve the police substation and designate up to three parking spaces; Councilor Gualtney seconded. The committee approved the motion, recorded as 5 to 0.
Staff said the substation will preserve a downtown police presence near businesses and that specific parking and fit‑out details will be finalized with the police chief and city staff before work begins.
