HOPKINS CO., KY (WFIE) -
In Mortons Gap, Kentucky, City Officials are in the final stages of securing funds for a City Hall renovation project. The price tag is around $500,000.
This has been in the works for a few years now, and we're told the new building is expected to be four and a half times bigger than the current one.
Space is somewhat limited at the current municipal building in downtown Mortons Gap. Mayor Frank Stafford says it can get kind of congested when it's busy, and he's thrilled about the possibility of moving.
"As I sit here, I'm just trying to hold myself down, I don't want to show too much emotion but I'm very emotional about this because it's a good day for Mortons Gap," Mayor Stafford told 14 News.
Along with additional space, Stafford says another improvement will be a drive up window for residents.
"Everybody won't have to come in, some people can drive through the window and pay their bills and that will keep a lot of people out of the office too."
The new municipal building on Cross and Church street will be just down the street from the current facility.
Once the move is completed, the Fire Department and Police Department will occupy the old building.
Fire Chief Joseph Hancock is excited to have more space for volunteer departments to train.
"We'll all be on the same page, it'll be great for that opportunity to have them here instead of us going to them all the time." Chief Hancock said.
Hancock says they're working on plans to remodel and hopefully add another entrance from the old city hall building into the fire station.
"We're really expecting to do a lot of remodeling in here to take on additional equipment and hopefully more people too."
Construction is estimated to cost just under $500,000 with funding from the US Department of Agriculture of Rural Development and coal severance dollars. Once secured, a final design comes next.
"It's just exciting to see where we come from and where we're trying to go," Mayor Stafford said.
There will be a public meeting on June 11th for residents to learn more about the project. The city hopes to have these funds secured sometime after that.
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The new municipal building on Cross and Church street will be just down the street from the current facility.
