Post Falls approves City Hall contract

The long-awaited Post Falls City Hall project cleared its final hurdle Tuesday.

“This is a very historic moment,” Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin said. “We thank you for your patience and support.”

The City Council approved a $7.1 million contract with Coeur d’Alene-based Ginno Construction on Tuesday evening, paving the way for the 41,000-square-foot facility.

Construction may begin next week, city officials said.

The contract includes $32,500 to tear down the current City Hall, which has been plagued with maintenance problems.

The city approached a variety of civic groups about using the building, but no one was interested or could afford the repairs and upkeep, City Administrator Eric Keck told the council.

“I’m sorry we weren’t able to work something out and keep this as a viable (facility) for this community,” Councilman Dick Harris said.

The City Council also approved a nontraditional funding method for the City Hall construction, forgoing outside financing and instead borrowing internally.

The city will borrow $2.7 million from water and sewer project reserve funds and spend leftover money from the city’s general fund to cover the balance, officials said.

“(The) staff believes this is the most prudent way to move forward,” Keck told the council.

The total cost of the project is expected to be roughly $8.8 million, including furnishings and design fees. The new City Hall is expected to open in spring 2008.

After city staff move in, the current City Hall will be torn down over a three-month period, officials said.

The project – which has been years in the making – has been controversial at times.

This winter, the city dropped plans for an energy-efficient building and redesigned the project in light of rising costs, city officials said.