Crossfield council directed administration to look into the costs of modifying plans for the proposed civic building, Aug. 17.
The building, which was intended to house Town staff, the library and the Golden Key Club, must be modified to fit the new grader shed location, chosen by residents in an informal vote, which took place on June 9.
“The location that was chosen is just smaller,” said Crossfield Mayor Phil McCracken. “We can’t build the building on it to accommodate three groups, so we have to renegotiate and figure out what we can do.”
The Town had two building plans designed to fit the larger Banta Park location. However, both plans would have to be redrafted to fit the new space.
According to McCracken, council is setting up a meeting with the library and the Golden Key Club to discuss the situation.
Once the cost of the new building is determined, council will look into what grant money is available to help cover costs.
McCracken said it is unlikely any firm plans would be in place before this fall’s municipal election.
“Right now it is up in the air, until we know how much it will cost,” said McCracken. “Dependent on costs, maybe we can’t even afford to build it.”
According to McCracken, it will only be built if enough funds are in place.
“The taxpayers feel like they are going to be on the hook for it, but they won’t,” said McCracken. “I won’t allow it.”
McCracken estimates that the existing building was built in the 1960s. He said the town would have to spend a lot of money to bring it up to today’s standards.
“It is not big enough to accommodate the working condition of the staff,” said McCracken. “It is time (for a new building).”
