City leaders are unsure how to proceed with the next step in the Starkville Police Department project after a request for additional funds from state legislators failed on Monday.
Various aldermen were split on Wednesday on whether to support of a slight millage tax rate increase to secure the needed funds. Another option could be to complete the original $3 million plan on the premise of revisiting and extending the project once additional funds were secured, according to Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman.
Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins is set to bring forward a 1-mill tax increase plan specifically for funding the renovation plan at the May 3 board meeting, Wiseman confirmed. One tax mill secures just over $224,000 to the city. Starkville’s millage rate is set currently at 21.98.
“I think a 1-mill tax increase to fund this project would be a worthwhile investment,” Wiseman said.
Another option could be starting bond proceedings to secure the needed $2.4 million for the full project, Wiseman said.
No official discussion took place at Tuesday’s meeting over the failure of the one-time appropriations request. If the increase passed, it would take effect in September after the new city budget is approved.
The request of $2.4 million would have ensured the project receive total funding of $5.4 million to the current SPD building at 101 E. Lampkin St.
Costs for the project rose to over $5 million after infrastructure and code violations were uncovered at the aging facility, which was granted historic landmark status after its time as a National Guard Armory until the 1960s.
Original options included a $3 million and $4.5 million mix-and-match design plan, until costs increased.
Last summer, aldermen approved a motion of intent to issue $3 million partial renovation bond for the project. The revised budget issued at the end of February would include an additional floor for administrative staff, youth court services, all code updates along with a host of exterior work including paving and striping with protected parking and a new sally port.
The roof—a hot button issue during February meetings—would be completely replaced under the revised budget plan.
Both Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver and Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn were opposed to a tax increase.
“If [the board] wants to spend the $5.4 million, I would rather see a brand new building where we don’t have to worry about plumbing, electrical or roofing issues,” Carver said. “I don’t know if I am in favor of any of it.”
A tax hike might not be a feasible option, Wynn said.
“I think we need to explore other options,” Wynn said in a statement by text message.
Looking into applying for a grant with the help from the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District could be another possible option, Wynn said in her statement.
Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker noted the complexity of the situation due to other projects—like the search for a county industrial park site and a study of the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department—possibly requiring additional city funding in the future.
“I think as we move into the next budget cycle, we need to look at all of our options and figure out what the priorities are and make the best decisions we can with somewhat limited resources and a somewhat limited ability to look at tax increases,” Walker said.
Walker said he was “not against” a slight tax increase, but wanted to explore all options before making a decision.
The idea of a new facility was becoming more tangible, Carver said. During one of the design presentations in February, he inquired about new construction costs for a new facility.
“The cost is going to escalate if you look at acquiring property and constructing a new building,” Wiseman said.
Both project architect Gary Schafer and Wiseman previously came out against moving back to securing another property, citing new construction costs as being higher than renovation costs.
“The $245,000 the board authorized for design plans is part of the overall $5.4 million budget,” Wiseman said. “It’s not adding costs, but if the renovation project doesn’t get done, it’s just sunk costs.”
Due to the property’s aging infrastructure, each time it was listed for sale, no offers were made. Since the facility is owned by the city, keeping the property would be in the municipality’s best interest, Wiseman said.
Currently over 75 SPD staff share the aging facility. All aldermen agreed a plan needed to be made so as to secure a first-class facility for officers and staff.
“Having a police station renovated completely is extremely high on our list,” Walker said.
Ward 3 Alderman David Little, Ward 5 Aldermen Scott Maynard and Vice Mayor-Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins did not immediately respond for requests to comment.