Council Seeks Updated City Hall Space-Needs Study; Staff Directed to Issue RFP

Monroe — Council members gave staff consensus to pursue an updated space-needs analysis and facility master plan for City Hall, directing staff to prepare a request for proposals and return with a scope and contract for council review.

Staff said the update would refresh a 2011–12 study to reflect organizational changes and post-COVID workspace needs. Lisa Hollowell described a two-part effort: a space needs assessment and facility master planning that would identify departments to be included, estimate costs, and evaluate potential sites (including city-owned parcels) or renovation options for the existing city hall.

Hollowell said the process would include an advisory committee, stakeholder engagement, and consultation with an architect. The project timeline was described as approximately a four-month effort. Staff cited Creech and Associates as a potential consultant familiar with prior work; staff provided a preliminary cost range with Creech suggesting approximately $45,000 to conduct the assessment and master planning work. At one point the mayor referenced the $46,155 figure, which staff confirmed.

Council members debated timing and priorities. Some members expressed support for updated analysis to inform long-term planning, site selection and coordination with other projects (including fire stations and other capital projects). Other members expressed concern about adding consulting costs while the city faces multiple capital needs and debt obligations and asked for a commitment that the study would lead to actionable next steps rather than sit idle.

The council reached consensus for staff to proceed with preparing an RFP and return to council with a recommended scope and contract for approval; no formal contract award occurred at the meeting.