A new expansion to Clarkston’s administrative building could cost up to $568,000.
The most expensive of three proposals includes improvements to bathrooms and more room to hold ‘private” meetings at city hall, according to the proposal presentation made by Facilities Committee member Jim Brueck.
Clarkston City Council approved $23,000 for architectural drawings from James Renaud, for three proposals for improvements to city hall and an expanded DPW building.
The three new proposals also include adding to the north end of the village hall, increasing the space from two bays to four and adding storage space, estimated to cost $330,000. The third plan would also add extensive remodeling of the office space to provide a reception area, better facilities for the staff, a place for private meetings, and a bit more space for council and commission meetings. That was estimated to cost $462,000.
The city’s current DPW is located at 3 E. Church, but the building was purchased by Curt Catallo, owner of Union Joints which include Clarkston Union, Woodshop, and several other businesses and buildings.
The city must vacate the property within a year of notice.
To pay for the city hall expansion, the city is considering three different proposals, and a 20-year bond to finance the project.
At an April 27 meeting, officials said funding improvements would save money in the long run by paying for the building completely rather than paying rent and owning nothing.
The city pays over $15,000 in rent for the building on Church, but that cost does not include various costs the city paid for improvements to the building.
Plans to expand city hall was also explored in 2011 and 2012. Architectural drawings back then were also completed by Renaud, at a cost of $7,300.
The 2012 project was axed by city council. Improvements to city hall proposed three years ago was estimated around $265,000.
Plans for the three proposals have not been vetted by the city Planning Commission or Historic District Commission. The two commissions would consider the plans and add recommendations or objects to certain aspects of the plan.
Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle said he could come up with a proposal for the city to use township DPW facilities on Flemings Lake Road to store equipment and other city belongings.
‘We could come up with a very attractive offer for the city if they need a simple solution for their DPW facilities,” Kittle said. “We have the space they need for storage.”
He added some improvements to the township DPW facility will be completed in the future.
Richard Bisio, who resigned from the city council last week after a disagreement over a closed session, said city residents are taxed at over 12.85 mills for general operations.
‘City residents pay more for general operations than the township,? Bisio said. ‘City limits stretch down the west side of Main Street all the way south to the funeral home. Homes on the east side just south of the property on the corner of Main and Waldon are in the township. Homeowners on the east side pay less taxes than neighbors Sacross the street.?
Fewer taxpayers mean each home shells out more money.
City residents pay about 5.06 more per $1,000 of taxable value than township residents who are taxed at 7.7904 per $1,000.
In the 2010 census,there were 882 residents in the city, in 400 homes. Taxes in the township are split between 30,000 taxpayers, so city residents pay more.
‘There are fewer people in the city paying taxes for the government structure,” he said.
he city has about $250,000 in the bank. If each taxpayer in town was given a refund,Tthey would receive $625.
For the $568,000 proposal each resident will pay around $1,5000.
Area residents have chimed in over the city hall proposals.
‘I agree the township offer should be considered,” Andrew Bowmaster said. ‘I am glad to see a thought towards Independence and not continuing to rent.?
Since the city cannot expand anymore, why is the government expanding.
‘Hilarious how a city that can’t expand, has a government that can’t seem to stop expanding,? Chuck In’bnit said on Facebook.
Others question why the city needs so many costly improvements.
‘Now local taxes for residents to pay for a building and a shell game that it is better than paying rent for buildings for equipment not needed, for services not needed, from a local government not needed,’said Independence Township resident Mark McCloy.
The city has to pay for its own lawyers, engineers, DPW and many other employees and contractors. Total city budget is $891,414
The city contracts police services with the township, through the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, firefighting through Independence Township Fire Department, and sewer services through the township. In 2010, city voters got rid of the Clarkston Police Department.
Over the years, just like they did with the Clarkston Police, many people have suggested dissolving the city.
‘Seriously wonder if such a small geographic really ‘needs’ so much expense,? Dawn Kelly said.