Lexington city leaders making another attempt at a new City Hall project
Originally published by WEKU.
What’s become almost an age-old topic at Lexington City Hall got further discussion Tuesday. The matter IS City Hall and where will the home of government be in the years ahead.
The one-time Lafayette Hotel has been the Urban County Government Center for 40 plus years. For years it’s been a question of to invest in a major fix-up of the 12 story Main Street building or move to a new spot. Mayor Linda Gorton wants to see a decision made and this seems like the time.
“This has been a high priority for me because I’m the fifth mayor to try to get a new government center. And we need a new government center so that our taxpayers get a more efficient building,” said Gorton.
The presentation focused on financing options including bonding and public-private partnerships. The mayor sought Council backing for another 10 million dollars to go toward a City Hall project. Council approved $8 million from the fund balance surplus, bringing the total set aside to $43 million. New proposals are expected in early December and that could pave the way for a decision.
Veteran Council Member Fred Brown said a new building in a new location seems best.
“If we move out of it and build a new building, we’ve got some money here that we can use as downpayment…and so we’re putting money in reserve so I think all in all we’re doing everything we need to do to be prudent with the money,” said Brown.
Vice Mayor Dan Wu said there are still differing opinions about whether to stay in the historic building and renovate it or build something more modern. Wu said he just wants to make sure whatever is decided, it works.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
