The Florence City Council is poised to make a significant decision regarding the future of the city’s administrative facilities. On Tuesday, the council will vote on whether to advance the planning, design, and construction of a new city hall, a project estimated to cost $42 million.

Addressing Concerns and Costs

City Council President Kaytrina Simmons has emphasized the importance of keeping the project within budget. “I do have some concerns about the cost of it, and more of my concern is that it runs over if it goes out of budget,” Simmons stated. The council had initially set a budget of $48 million last June, but the revised proposal now caps it at $42 million.

The new city hall is planned to be a 70,000-square-foot facility, replacing the current building plagued by issues such as mold, roof leaks, asbestos, and outdated equipment. The proposed site for the new building is the location of the old city parking deck, which is currently being demolished. This new facility will be just one block away from the existing city hall.

Next Steps in the Project

The design phase of the project is expected to take between six to ten months. Construction will only commence after a subsequent City Council vote to award the construction contract. This careful approach aims to ensure that the project remains within the financial constraints set by the council.

The council meeting is scheduled to take place in the City Auditorium at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, where members will deliberate on this crucial step for the community’s infrastructure.

Original reporting: Rocket City Now (Huntsville) — read the source article.