POST FALLS — The City Hall remodel project's cost has risen to approximately $1.3 million, according to public works director John Beacham's presentation to the city council. The project is funded through the city's facilities account.

"We're currently under construction in case you haven't noticed, but there's no dirt piles in front of Council Chambers tonight so that's good news," Beacham said.

Initially, the project was about a third of its current size, focusing on recommendations from a 2021 facilities needs assessment. Additional projects were later included to consolidate construction into one time period.

"We've knocked off three projects instead of one," Beacham told the City Council.

The projects remain on track for completion by year-end and are close to the last estimate provided by city staff.

City Council unanimously approved two motions regarding security, audio-visual and furnishing contracts. Security modifications for doors and access control came in under the projected $40,000, at $37,042.

The city is upgrading the obsolete control system for council chambers and adding equipment for a new conference room to allow overflow meeting streaming. The former AV contractor had retired, and some replacement parts were no longer available.

Avidex will handle the new networked AV system, which will cost $140,724. This includes a building-wide audio-visual controller and ongoing support. The upgrade will digitize controls for cameras and microphones in council chambers, improving volume adjustment and audio clarity.

Contract Design Associates estimated $191,376 to furnish new legal and finance workstations. 

"Most of the new workspaces we're adding are former copy rooms, former storage rooms, former conference rooms, so we did not have desks in those areas," Beacham said. 

Additionally, tables and chairs are being procured for the rotunda to create an informal meeting space for residents at Post Falls City Hall.