Plans underway to build new Forsyth City Hall

Forsyth city leaders are planning to build a new city hall.

Mayor Eric Wilson said the future city hall will be located next to the police and fire complex at 200 S. Kimbell St. Forsyth officials recently approved an architectural firm to design the building.

The need for a new city hall was discussed at a City Council retreat earlier this year. Property taxes will not be increased to pay for the facility, with early cost estimates ranging from $1.5 million-$2 million, the mayor said.

Funding would likely come from refinancing a loan used for the current public safety complex, said Wilson, who also anticipates the Public Works Department relocating to a nearby lot.

“We’ll know more once we design the building and get the layout,” he said. “Overall, I think it will provide a more friendly, convenient and efficient experience for our citizens and staff.”

The city will try to sell or lease out the current city hall at 26 N. Jackson St. City hall has been located at the site since the 1990s.

The mayor, city manager and executive assistant will temporarily relocate to to the Welcome Center once repairs are underway at the current city hall. Other city hall employees will move into the police building in the interim before the new city hall opens.

“The next step is to meet with (architects) as a council and give them our ideas of what we would like,” Wilson said about the new city hall. “We’ll be working with staff to make sure we design an adequate workspace and environment.”

This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Plans underway to build new Forsyth City Hall."