City leaders in Richardson are planning to let their residents vote on how to fund a new city hall when they show up to the polls for the next general election.
According to Don Magner who is the City Manager, having a new hall would come with several benefits, including addressing site utilities, saving money from an operational standpoint, and attracting and keeping talented individuals.
The funding would be set up using a general obligation bond, which will be presented at a meeting on Monday, February 13, where the board will vote on it. If the board approves the bond, Richardson’s residents will vote on whether to approve the $48m program at the general election scheduled for May 6. Printing services can be used to create ballots before votes like this.
A city hall renovation project worth $22.4m was approved in 2021. The money was to be used to renovate the building’s restrooms and make improvements to offices on the second floor. A fire in August 2022 on the building's first floor resulted in damages that forced Richardson officials to work elsewhere.
After the fire, Magnar presented the city council with two options – proceed with the renovation project, or build an entirely new facility. Construction will begin on the new city hall in 2024 if it is approved.
