The Marinette Common Council last week voted unanimously to renovate the old National Guard Armory at 2000 Mary Street and relocate the police department there. The Boldt Company of Appleton will handle the renovations and also construct a new City Hall next to the armory. In a close 5-to-4 vote, the council decided to downsize City Hall from a proposed 10,000 square feet to 7,000. Mayor Steve Genisot says the city has looked at multiple options over time. The estimated cost for both projects is $7.5 million — $4 million for the police department and $3.5 million for City Hall — funded through previously approved promissory notes. A cost summary shows the police department remodel running about $1.2 million over budget at $4.629 million. Renovating the current City Hall on Hall Avenue was estimated at $4.679 million.

Public opinion is divided. Some residents want to keep City Hall downtown. Like community member Keith Killen.

Others, like Alderperson Mike Wolfe, feel the city missed an opportunity when it voted against moving to the former UW-Marinette campus library.

FULL STORY