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New Florala city hall coming
Council OKs $96K contract to renovate old bank building
Published Wednesday, November 25, 2009
After months of planning, Florala’s new city hall is going to become a reality.
Council members voted Monday to award a more-than-$96,000 work contract to Cajun Contractors to renovate the old bank building, which was donated to the city by the Florala Utilities Board in June.
It has taken members months to whittle down the scope of the work to a more manageable project cost. Initial plans called for a complete renovation — both inside and out — of the building; however, the cost for that plan was considerably higher than $100,000.
Council members were also split on whether or not to relocate city hall to the Florala City Middle School building, which is set to revert back to the city’s ownership at the end of this academic year.
Both of those sides of debate were put to rest with Monday’s bid award.
“We had to cut back on what we originally wanted to do with the building to get the price where we needed it to be,” said councilwoman Gloria Cassady. “I guess you could say we scaled back. There will not be any awning on the outside windows, which is one of the things we really wanted. But in light of needing to cut down the cost, it made sense to cut that item. It was the most expensive portion.
“In the end, though, I think the residents are going to be very pleased with what the building looks like inside and out,” she said.
Inside, there will be a newly constructed council chamber and offices for the mayor and city clerk. Other offices in the back will be “freshened up” with new paint.
However, the biggest difference will be the exterior of the building.
“It’s going to look like a totally new place,” Cassady said. “They are going to pressure wash, paint and put a sealant on the brick building. It’s going to be a wonderful addition to the downtown.”
Work is expected to start within the next two weeks and contractors have 90 days to complete the project.
Comments
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lol it never ends.
Posted by realtrucker (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They don't have money down there to complete the NEW building they have on the lake, so.....why not spend, spend, spend. Do like the rest of us and MAKE DUE!
Posted by mrfixit528 (anonymous) on November 25, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
there are so many pot holes in the roads and water leaks all over town. it has gotten so bad that in front of the saras big R you can get free water at the tom thumb. but lets make sure where you go to complain about all the city's problems is the best building in town. i also wanted to comment on how long it took to fix the road being washed away on fifth street for months having local traffic driving 10 to15 minutes to lockhart just to drive back to florala to get home.oh and the building that didn't need to be built!!! i liked it the old way with the nice cypress trees and a basketball court and a bathroom that works.
Posted by rabbit2300 (anonymous) on December 2, 2009 at 2:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought the city was almost out of money. Where is this money coming from. Didn't the city just move into there current location a year or two ago. What is happening to the Middle school building. I figure the Middle school would be a good place for it you can put everything in one place and it all still be separate. They could even rent out office space in the left over space at the school. How do they think they will get a college when they cant, finish a building at the park, keep a middle school, among other short falls. MRFIX you are right there are many pot holes on the city streets you just have to move to the street the mayor lives on there are no potholes there. I hope they find some more money everyone go get a shovel and help look for some more buries jars of money. I know we can ask the former city clerk where the money is she lost it all with her book keeping. (did they ever finish her last audit).
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