Council approves $30 million guidance for municipal complex after debate; one dissent

Council voted on Jan. 21 to authorize a guidance statement to the Municipal Complex Project Committee establishing a $30 million target so master planning and programming can proceed for a proposed municipal complex of police, fire and service buildings and (potentially) a future city hall.

The motion (mover: Mr. Christopher Cooney; second: Vice Mayor Michele Weiss) passed on roll call with six votes in favor and one dissent from Councilmember Brian King, who said he was uncomfortable committing to the guidance figure without clearer revenue assumptions. Vice Mayor Weiss noted the Finance Committee had discussed the number and that bond counsel concluded the city could prudently borrow roughly $26.5 million; the committee also considered the city's roughly $3.5 million in cash on hand.

Council members and administration described a gap between programming prepared by a specialty architect and the existing budget. Mr. John Rach said the specialty architect’s pared‑down program had estimated hard‑construction costs of about $500 per square foot for similar police and fire buildings and that including soft costs and contingencies would push the three‑building package to about $33 million, not counting a city hall. Mr. Rach and others said the committee needs an approved program number to direct the specialty architect’s next work.

Mayor Brennan warned against overreliance on general‑fund borrowing without a dedicated revenue source, saying a $26.5 million bond would require sustained annual payments the city might struggle to absorb. "While it was possible, it’s not advisable," he said of a large bond, urging caution about raising taxes.

Mr. Eberhard urged the committee to ask the specialty architect for three alternatives aligned to the $30 million target and to add a third master‑plan option that assumes all facilities sit at the Silsby/Warrensville site while talks with the school district over the Wiley property continue.

Council directed the Municipal Complex Project Committee to proceed with the guidance statement; members said master planning will include concepts that assume a future city hall and concepts that do not, and that the committee may later recommend phasing or scope reductions if costs remain beyond available resources.