McLean County Times

The Bloomington City Council has approved a remodeling project of the government building as a step in a larger reorganization process.

The city provides many city services out of the government building  at 115 E. Washington St. It shares this building with the county, which also has its headquarters there. The city put out a project for bid to build out the second floor of that building so it can operate there and increase access and availability to residents.

City manager Tim Gleason introduced the item to the council, which was set to vote on awarding the contract to the lower of the two bids they received.

Gleason explained that the city has been working for the last decade on improving its space and has invested between $550,00 to $600,000 across seven locations in the past five years. The new project will cost $577,550.

Gleason explained that the city does have equity in the building despite being co-tenants with the county, so this step is a long-term investment.

"So this $577,000 build, we're not just throwing money into a build for something that we don't have equity and ownership or title in because we do," Gleason said.  “And we feel that we are satisfying the space needs, not just in the short term, but long term. That's why you see this investment in this building. We're also seeing an opportunity with the residents of the county and the residents of the city being able to come to one building downtown and be able to complete whatever business they might have.”

Deputy city manager Billy Titus also discussed the future of city spaces with the council.

“This renovation is part of a bigger picture,” he said.

He talked about the success of the Hub, which is a new city program and location that guarantees an answer to any city-related question or problem brought forth from a resident, no matter what department. Economic and Community Development Director Melissa Hon gave a brief overview of what their department does with residents, sharing that “most importantly of all, with this renovation project, just knowing that for the department we'll be able to improve customer service.”

The council did approve the project, with members saying they were happy to hear it would cost much less in the long-term than the plan to buy property and build a new city hall, an option that had contemplated over the past few years. They were also assured all changes would meet Americans With Disability Act standards and goals, and would be able to serve all members of their community.