By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
A gathering at the intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue Monday morning heard remarks from city officials and contractors as the ceremonial groundbreaking took place for the nearly $8.9 million Great Bend police station to be constructed.
"To me it's a dream come true," said Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt. "The men and women in blue, that serve us everyday, thank you and this is for you."
City council members, city staff, architects and construction representatives
participated in the groundbreaking for the 20,100 square-foot facility that is
scheduled to be finished by next August.
The Great Bend Municipal Court will also be housed at the new facility, and
Judge Chuck Pike thanked those involved that created the progress.
"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way," said Pike. "If you don't, you'll find an excuse. I want to recognize all of those people, in a time where excuses could have abounded everywhere, chose to make this happen."
A .10% sales tax increase approved by voters last November will go toward bond debt for the police station with a 20-year sunset. Through the sales tax revenue and savings, the city exceeded the budget by $902,667. Through SPARKS funds, insurance proceeds and ARPA interest, the city will make up the difference.
One of the suggestions for a cost savings was to leave the municipal courtroom at its current location on Williams Street. Eliminating the courtroom from the design would have saved $1.2 million.
"The city council understood we have one opportunity to do this project right," said Francis. "I'd like to say thank you to them for having the courage to make a vote like that, understanding the long-term ramifications and trusting myself and my team that we're providing them with good information."
The current police station was built in 1938. GLMV Architecture
Managing Vice President Paul Michell said the new structure will nearly triple
the size of the department building.
"It's really no secret the existing building, just a couple of blocks away, has been a hindrance to public safety, municipal court operations over the years," said Michell. "It's short on space, function, it has safety concerns and the building is deteriorating. These buildings are one of the most complex and most expensive tools available to public safety professionals."
There were 96 bids received to work on the construction of the justice center,
and eight local contractors are included in the project. Construction is
expected to start this week.