Building

Our small town is considering constructing a new "municipal" building. Basically, our firehouse is falling down around the fire equipment and without some work on that building, it will most certainly become uninhabitable this winder. Already the utility bills are astronomical, certain parts of the building have been closed as "unfit for occupation", and the firemen are generally displeased.

The grand plan would include housing for the municipal offices including police, fire, the mayor's office, etc. Realistically, we'd probably build a fire building first and then expand when funds are available. Like most municipalities, our town is very nearly "broke" -- sales tax receipts continue to fall (as businesses close or move to larger areas), property taxes, while increasing, can't keep up with expenses. We'll probably have to issue bonds to pay for any new construction. None of our legislators want to incur any long-term debt, but what can be done?

The city's "buildings, parks, and personnel" committee will meet tonight (Monday) to begin preliminary planning for this construction. It will be interesting to see what is discussed. Already, we've been told that construction costs will run $35-40 per square foot. This doesn't include site preparation or paving, of course, but only the construction of the building itself.