POULSBO — The cost of Poulsbo’s new landmark building is ringing in to a tune that may put other civic projects on the waiting list.
The new city hall’s final $16.9 million cost estimation was detailed during Wednesday night’s city council meeting, where Council Member Becky Erickson — who has called for a scrub down of the project’s cost in the past — warned the showcase structure may require some sacrifice.
“The good news is we’re going to get a city hall, the bad news is we’re probably going to have to wait on quite a few other things,” she said. “Do I wish it cost less? Oh heck yes, but these are the numbers that are coming forward and we’re going to have to be very vigilant.”
Projects put on hold will likely include a new police station and new Public Works Department headquarters.
Erickson added in an e-mail Thursday she supports that now is the time to build a new city hall, as it has long been delayed in the past.
Project Manager Gary Tusberg, director of urban development for the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority, said the cost estimation, months in the making, was combed through by the Housing Authority, the city’s hired architecture firm and a third party estimator.
“We all believe this to be a good, solid number and do not expect anything to exceed that,” he said.
Council Member Dale Rudolph said the city will continue to look for ways to save, even as site work commences. He referenced refurbished furniture as a possible money-saving option.
“That’s an example of an area where we might be able to save a chunk of change,” he said. “Costs find you, you have to look for savings.”
Ground was broken on the project Tuesday afternoon, when area leaders and city staff gathered for the traditional golden shovel dig.
“I know that many of you have been about this close to this day probably two or three or five times,” said Poulsbo Mayor Kathryn Quade, holding out her thumb and forefinger while standing behind a colorful “Let’s Do It” sign. “You know, by golly, we’re going to get a new city hall!”
Quade also thanked those she called the original 10th Avenue site group, a group of citizens who championed the city’s initial plan to build on 10th Avenue. The plan was nixed after a 2006 citizen advisory vote showed the majority wanted to keep the government’s center downtown.
“Even though this is not maybe their site of preference, they all put their heart and souls into working for the city,” she said.
The 10th Avenue property is one of three the city is looking to sell to help offset the new city hall costs. Harrison Medical Center is currently eyeing the parcel for a new cancer care facility. The city is also in the bonding process, hoping to receive an upgrade to an AA bond capacity rating, which would make it the highest-ranked small city in the state.
Longtime Poulsbo resident and 10th Avenue site advocate Muriel Williams said Wednesday night she is disappointed in the city’s choice of locations. She referenced, with a slight smile, her all-black attire and said she’s presently in mourning, as the project seems a done deal.
“I still consider it an ill-advised site, that will not change,” she said.
But Tuesday’s groundbreaking was certainly a celebration for some, especially those who now house their offices in Poulsbo’s current, rather Jurassic city hall. Move-in at the Third Avenue and Moe Street building is expected for early 2010.
“We have been waiting for this day, we have been saving for this day,” Rudolph said. “Now it’s time for city hall to take priority and reward that patience to get to this point.”
