Council reviews city-hall relocation and city-funded new build; tables final decision

Staff presented a concept to construct a new city hall on a city-owned parcel and repurpose the existing city-hall building at 824 Fourth Street for police use. The concept would reuse an existing floor plan, updated for current needs, and estimated new construction at about $450 per square foot, roughly $1.5 million for a 3,400-square-foot building.

Funding and site considerations: Staff noted developer-impact fees (DIF) could be a funding source and outlined options including an interfund or commercial loan. Councilmembers and members of the public discussed alternative approaches, including purchasing and rehabilitating an existing historic building downtown (the Farm Bureau/Henshaw property), and voiced concerns about removing parking or spending significant funds to renovate older properties.

Public input and direction: Residents and business owners urged preservation of historic fabric and recommended a due-diligence study comparing rehabilitation of an existing downtown building with new construction. Several councilmembers said the site's visibility and downtown connection made it appropriate for public-use development but asked staff to return with cost-comparison options and public outreach before any final commitment.

Result: The council elected to table the matter and directed staff to commission additional study and public input, including an assessment of possible rehabilitation of nearby historic properties and a refined cost estimate for new construction.