City staff flags major facility costs in 2027 CIP; police and fire relocation estimates preliminary

Assistant City Engineer Chris Seuss told the Finance & Budget Committee the draft 2027 capital improvement plan includes several large facility projects that currently lack identified funding.

“My name is Chris Seuss, the assistant city engineer, and I'm here to give you, the committee a brief overview of the 2027 proposed capital plan,” Seuss said as he described the plan and the outstanding funding questions for the service center and potential police and fire relocation. He told the committee the service center master plan (completed in 2022) identified nearly 100 subprojects — ADA, HVAC and electrical work — that staff expect to phase over multiple years.

Committee members pressed staff on a large jump in the plan for police and fire headquarters costs in 2029, asking whether the $42,000,000 figure is a firm timeline or a high‑level placeholder. Seuss said the figures are preliminary and based on lower‑end alternatives identified internally; he said the estimates will be refined as the 'putting assets to work' process provides direction.

Members also discussed whether sale proceeds from existing facilities would offset project costs; staff said sale proceeds were not included in the construction and engineering dollar amounts presented and could be considered later as offsets. Chair Rogers and others asked staff to return in September with more refined cost and funding‑source scenarios tied to the ongoing asset review.

The committee did not take formal action on CIP financing at the Aug. 5 meeting; staff asked members to forward written questions so that September materials can address specific costs and funding options.