Olivia considering combination city hall-police department-fire department

Olivia officials are considering creating a joint city hall-fire department and police department. Olivia Mayor John Hawkinson says right now the Olivia Police Department leases space at the Renville County Law Enforcement Center, and the fire department has been operating out of the same facility unchanged since the 1960s.

According to KWLM, architect Barbara Marks of Engan Associates of Willmar has recommended the city accept a $3.61 million dollar bid from Kue Construction of Watkins to build a combined facility at the current city hall. The council tabled the recommendation last month to seek more information.

Hawkinson says they expect to make a decision at their February 27th meeting. The city has already approved bonding 4.15 million dollars through the USDA’s Communities Facilities Loan Program.