The future of the former Washington Public Library building was considered at last night’s city council meeting. City Administrator Brent Hinson explained staff has sought proposals, marketed the building, and given tours, but no credible proposals have been turned in. He recommends that the council pursue rehabilitating the building and making it City Hall. By doing so, the former City Hall space would be available for the police and fire departments.

Councilman Bob Shellmyer asked how the project would impact taxes, to which Hinson answered the current bond debt from the new library and downtown streetscape will be retired in 2018 and the new project would replace it. Hinson added it would not exceed the $700,000 bond threshold. The rehabilitation of the former library building, the streetscape project for East Main Street and the acquisition of property for parking puts the estimated cost of the project at about $2.3 million.

Hinson estimates construction to begin in May of 2017.

Following closed session, council directed staff to begin negotiations for the purchase of property.

A draft of what the layout of the first floor of the former library may look like when it becomes City Hall. Council chambers would be on the second floor.