PICAYUNE, MS (WLOX) -
By this time next year, Picayune residents should be conducting business in a new city hall that incorporates part of the city's rich history. And best of all, the project will cost taxpayers nothing.
Picayune's historic City Hall building on Goodyear Boulevard was built in 1938. Wednesday, city leaders proudly unveiled plans to bring vital city services back into the old building. A new addition will add about 20,000 square feet. A covered breeze way will connect the old and new structures.
"City hall chambers, new elevators to get to all the floors. We have a drive through window to make it easier accessible for people to pay their utilities," said Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero. "It's going to reduce our utility costs by two thirds, so we will save money."
Right now, City Hall is located in the old Arizona Chemical building.
"The building that we're presently in is kind of away from the downtown, and it costs a lot to heat and cool this building," explained Picayune City Manager Jim Luke. "It needs a lot of renovation and updating. It's just got its issues, leaks and things like that."
The expansion of the city's original city hall building will cost $2 million.
"It's all worked out for the benefit of the citizens," Pinero said. "There is no bond issue, there is no tax increase."
Mayor Pinero said the recent sale of the current city hall building, coupled with some insurance proceeds and some cash from the city's general fund will pay for the project.
"When we were elected three years ago, we knew that times were going to be tough. But we also knew that if we were fiscally responsible, we'd be able to keep this money and put some money aside to build it."
The building is expected to be ready to occupy around this time next year. A ground breaking ceremony will be held for the project next week.
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