KINGSBURG — State Senator Melissa Hurtado has secured $1 million in state funding to support renovations for Kingsburg’s new City Hall and Emergency Operations Center.
Hurtado announced the funding alongside Kingsburg officials at a press conference on Sept. 29, where she presented city leaders with a ceremonial check. Officials said the new facility will bring municipal operations together under one roof while keeping city services in downtown Kingsburg.
“This $1 million investment represents an important commitment to Kingsburg’s future,” Kingsburg Mayor Staci Smith said. “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Hurtado for her leadership and continued partnership in helping our community create a City Hall and Emergency Operations Center that will serve residents for generations to come.”
City Manager Alex Henderson flagged the need for additional city hall space at a strategic planning session earlier this year. After considering several options, the city council voted to purchase the Van Beurden Insurance Services building on 1600 Draper St. for $4.5 million, which it plans to repurpose into an expanded city hall. City officials said Kingsburg will spend approximately 60% of what it would have spent to construct an entirely new city hall.
Kingsburg will use eligible development impact fees to fund the $1.5 million downpayment, while the remaining $3 million will be financed through a seller with a secured promissory note at an interest rate of 5%. The city previously received a $1 million federal earmark for community projects through Congressman Jim Costa that it can also use for the project.
Hurtado said the city brought their funding needs to her attention, and after learning more about the project, she viewed the decision to repurpose an existing building as a “responsible use of taxpayer dollars.” She also described the new municipal facility as a “project worth advocating for.”
The building, which is approximately 19,000 square feet, features more space than the city currently needs, and will come with existing office furniture for the city to use. Built in 1991, it previously housed commercial offices as well as a 48-space private parking lot and solar power.
Hurtado’s $1 million in state funding will be used to renovate the recently purchased building that will become the new City Hall and Emergency Operations Center. Officials said the center will provide a dedicated place for city leaders, first responders and other partner agencies to coordinate during emergencies and disasters.
Kingsburg Police Chief Shaun Stephens and Fire Chief Rodnie Roberts described the funding as a critical investment in public safety, and said that the new center will make a “meaningful” difference in how quickly agencies can respond to crises, according to a press release.
The Kingsburg Fire Department also thanked Hurtado in a social media statement for her continued support of the community, highlighting some of her previous efforts that helped the department fund the acquisition of a new fire engine.
“Protecting public safety is priority number one,” Hurtado said in a statement to the Mid Valley Times. “Kingsburg is growing, and its infrastructure has to be prepared for the challenges that come with that growth. Whether we are talking about natural disasters, cyber threats, water security or other emergencies, local government needs the tools and facilities to respond effectively.”
