City manager updates MFPD’s building progress

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – Milton-Freewater City Manager Linda Hall reports the city’s new police and dispatch station is still behind schedule, but under budget. Hall said Monday the expected substantial completion date is April and adds that savings to the $8.24 million project is $522,500 and counting due to staff-driven changes.

In October 2022, ground was broken on the new 7,600 square foot building at 716 S. Columbia St. behind city hall. Almost a year later (September 2023), the project ran into a delay due to a redesign of the building’s roof. The original bid specifications called for a specialized roof from a limited supplier.

The city worked with the contractor and architect on the redesign which saved the city about $300,000, but also caused a delay in the building’s completion.

Once completed, the new building will house 11 police officers, six emergency dispatchers, and a code enforcement officer. The project is being funded by a voter-approved bond and a state grant.

Graphic is an early rendering of the proposed police station.