The Dallas City Council is set to vote on a $3 million study to explore relocating City Hall. The study will examine the costs and potential sites for a new City Hall, as well as the possible relocation of the city’s 311 and 911 call centers.

Background

Last week, the council rejected a proposal to fund the rehabilitation of the existing City Hall building at 1500 Marilla Street, with estimated costs ranging from $531.6 million to $610.8 million. The broader 20-year occupancy cost could approach $1.6 billion.

The council will consider authorizing up to $2 million for City Hall relocation due diligence and up to $1 million for separate analysis tied to possible relocation of the city’s 311 and 911 call centers. The funding source is listed as the ARPA Redevelopment Fund, which Mayor Eric Johnson previously stated refers to local funds, not federal American Rescue Plan Act money.

A final vote on whether to relocate could come later this summer, after city staff return with more detailed cost estimates. The city has re-noticed the two due diligence items with more specific language.

Legal Dispute

A legal fight is ongoing, with State District Judge Eric Moyé blocking several relocation-related items from a previous meeting due to vague notices. Council Members Adam Bazaldua and Paula Blackmon have asked Moyé to require the city and several officials to explain why the court should not hold them in contempt.

The contempt request centers on the council’s June 10 vote rejecting City Hall repair funding and directing City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert to continue exploring relocation options.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.