Architect and contractor report municipal building and fire station remain on budget; construction milestones set

Architect Ellen Foster (Hinkle Williams Architecture) and contractor Jeremy Hoffman (BF Anderson/contractor) gave a multi‑project update covering the municipal building, library and the adjoining fire station.

Foster said the project team has three GMPs for the fire station totaling $14,600,000 and estimated owner soft costs (design, furniture, fixtures and equipment, technology and inspections) of about $3,700,000, for a current project budget of roughly $18.4 million. She identified two alternate items not currently in the budget — a play area priced at about $140,000 and security fencing at about $300,000 — and said the team would recommend adding them only if savings or contingency allowed. Foster said, “there's a healthy contingency that's still in there” and reiterated that collections, books and operational library staffing are outside the capital project budget.

Contractor Jeremy Hoffman reported the fire station construction is nearly complete and the team is aiming to finish site work and move‑in activities in late June to early July; full project completion for the municipal building was forecast for early summer 2027. Hoffman noted some finish delays tied to a utility partner and said generator installation and final flooring/furniture delivery are scheduled through August with a phased move‑in.

Council members asked about electric vehicle charging at the site, emergency vehicle access, and whether the police area would include a holding cell; staff said charging infrastructure may be considered later and that police holding needs were accommodated in the current design. Council also discussed when library staffing and operational costs will be budgeted, and staff said a full‑time library staff position is included in the 2026 budget to prepare for opening and that collections and ongoing operational funding remain to be planned.