Bonds OK’d for police department

GLUCKSTADT — Funding for a new municipal court building and Police department  is moving forward after aldermen approved borrowing $8 million and issuing general obligation bonds. 

The board called a special meeting on March 29, where legal consultants Troy Johnston and Nick Schorr from Butler Snow, LLP gave a powerpoint presentation to the board on issuing bonds and municipal financing options for funding the 14,500 square foot building. 

On April 5, the board called a second special meeting to consider and approve an engagement letter and resolution from Butler Snow to engage legal services as bond counsel. Alderman Mia Bates made a motion to approve, and Alderman John Taylor seconded the motion. The resolution passed unanimously. 

Mayor Walter Morrison asked the board to approve and adopt a resolution of intent to issue general obligation bonds that do not exceed $8 million for the purpose of constructing a municipal police department and municipal court building. 

Alderman Wesley Slay made a motion to approve, and Alderman Jayce Powell seconded the motion. The resolution passed unanimously. 

Bids are expected to be opened during the next board meeting on May 11. 

The city also received a $750,000 appropriation from the state for the project. Last year, Gluckstadt received $1 million in state appropriations for the project and that was used to purchase the land and get architectural drawings. 

This will be the first building built by the city. It will be located just south of Germantown High School.

“I think this will be something the community will really be proud of,” Morrison said.

The city currently has a police force of about 12 full-time officers that currently occupy two rooms at City Hall.