Washington moves into new City Hall, police station

WASHINGTON - The Washington City Council began debating expanding city offices and the police and fire departments in January 2013.

Years of discussion and plan changes followed.

Nearly eight years later the project is near completion.

City officials and police have moved into their new space, with only a few final touches left to make.

Previously, the City Hall, police department and fire station were under one roof, City Administrator Brent Hinson said. A lack of space became apparent and adding on to the existing buildings to create room for everyone to operate successfully was necessary.

The $6 million project started in October 2018 when ground was broken for the fire station. This added around 15,000 square feet and freed 5,000 square feet for the City Hall and police department.

The project involved purchasing eight properties, selling two properties, moving the main sewer for the central part of town and updating water mains.

The biggest improvement was space. The new space is 25,000 square feet, compared to the previous 9,400 square feet that housed fire, police and City Hall.

After the fire station was completed, construction on the other half commenced.

When the construction of the City Hall and police department started, it was divided into two phases.

Phase 1 contained the majority of operations for City Hall. Phase 2 was the construction of a majority of the operations for the police department and some city offices.

The City Hall was in its original space for 45 years. The police department was housed in the building since 2005, and it was meant to be a temporary solution.

Both departments now share a main entrance and lobby. Inside there are signs labeling the police and utilities windows.

Hinson said this helps community members know where to go and removed any confusion.

On the city side, the addition of a council chambers, mayor's office, larger copy room and storage are just a few improvements.

Police Chief Jim Lester said in the old department, police shared three computers. The old space was less than 1,000 square feet.

Now, the chief, sergeants, lieutenants and investigator have their own offices. The patrol officers have their own workspace and share computers in pairs.

A few of the new improvements include a larger evidence room, a locker room, two interview rooms and a conference room.

Both departments are settling into their new space. With only a few final touches left, Hinson is looking forward to being in a new space that will hopefully last them another 45 years.