Online Poll
What should be done about City Hall?
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Creating Value with a Smarter City Hall
The Mayor has formed a task force to consider alternatives to the current City Hall facility. EagleCitizens.com has independently prepared this Q&A to help inform taxpayers on this issue.
The Mayor has formed a task force to consider alternatives to the current City Hall facility. EagleCitizens.com has independently prepared this Q&A to help inform taxpayers on this issue.
Q. Why should the City consider moving to another facility?
A. The possibility of saving $200,000 a year.
Q. How is this possible?
A. By reducing the size from 13,005 to 6,000 square feet and reducing the lease rate from $22.50 to $15.50 per square foot.
Q. How large does the City Hall need to be?
A. Until 2007, the City occupied around 2,800 square feet in the Eagle Senior Center. Recent staff downsizing, potential sharing of facilities, and Internet technology further reduce space needs. The City could reasonably operate in a 6,000 square foot space.
Q. What about public meetings?
A. All public meetings should be broadcast on the City website. The video equipment is around $3,000 and broadcast fee is $300 per month. The Eagle Public Library has a meeting room with a capacity for 95 people with excellent Internet service.
Q. Does the City have any money saved for a new City Hall?
A. The City has been unable to save any money to buy a building. Paying almost $300,000 a year in rent and utilities leaves nothing for savings. Meridian and Star occupied modest buildings for many years and saved. Consequently, no new debt or bonds were required for their new facilities.
Q. How much time and money would it cost to move?
A. The cost to move to another facility is estimated at around $5,000. The City offices are closed on Fridays. If properly organized, the move could be accomplished over a weekend.
Q. Does the Ada County Sheriff rent space in Eagle?
A. As part of their contract to provide services to Eagle, the Sheriff's office rents around 2,000 square feet of space on east State Street. The City could combine services in one building.
Q. What is the cost to purchase the existing 13,005 square foot City Hall building?
A. The option purchase price is currently $2,415,687 or around $186 per square foot.
Q. What are current new office building construction costs?
A. The current construction costs for office buildings are around $90 per square foot.
Q. Has there ever been a bond election for City Hall?
A. There have been three bond elections. Voters rejected all three proposals.
Q. What percent of the voters must approve a bond election?
A. The Idaho Constitution requires two-thirds (67%) majority to approve long-term debt.