Town Hall Expansion Proposal
The Town of Loomis General Plan projects that the Loomis may increase its population at the rate of approximately 34% by 2050 (see Chapter 6 of the General Plan EIR). Based on Loomis’ growth projections, Town planners have estimated that the Town will need additional public facilities to adequately serve current and future residents including parks and recreation facilities, administrative facilities, library facilities, public parking facilities, public transportation center, landscaping improvements, etc.
The Town of Loomis plans to purchase the building at 3655 Taylor Road to expand Town Hall to make room for additional staff. This purchase will give the Town enough space to accommodate its staff growth for the next 15-20 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Town Hall expansion
Why does Loomis need to expand Town Hall?
The recent organization assessment determined that Loomis Town Hall, located at 3665 Taylor Road, is at maximum occupancy with the existing staff levels. To meet current resident service demands efficiently, the assessment recommended adding a few staff. However, the current Town Hall cannot house any additional staff. The Town’s 2021-2026 strategic initiatives included conducting space analysis to expand Loomis Town Hall.
Why does the Town need more staff?
An organizational assessment determined that Loomis runs too lean to serve its residents efficiently. The assessment recommended that the Town hire 2 to 3 additional administrative staff just to meet current needs. The current Town Hall cannot reasonably accommodate any more staff.
How does Loomis’ staffing level compare to other cities?
Loomis employs fewer full time equivalent staff by population than other cities of similar size. For example, Nevada City has 3,300 fewer residents and almost twice as many staff as Loomis. Nevada City has 46 staff or 1 staff person for every 159 residents. Loomis has 18 staff or 1 staff person for every 521 residents. The City of Winters, which has almost 1,000 more residents than Loomis, has 37 staff or 1 staff person for every 384 residents.
How much would building a new Town Hall cost?
The Town of Loomis looked to the City of Roseville, which recently constructed a new building. Roseville’s costs were $1,000 per square foot. The Town determined that between the current town hall, the Depot Building council chambers, and space for new staff, it needs approximately 7,500 square feet. Using Roseville’s price per square foot, building a new Town Hall building would cost approximately $7.5 million and that would not include the additional costs of other site improvements such as parking, streetlights, irrigation, etc.
How does purchasing an existing building compare to building something new?
The purchase price of 3655 Taylor Road is $647,000. Additional costs for architectural design and construction to create the working space are estimated at $202,400. The total cost for purchase and construction is $850,000. Compared to building new, the Town could save more than $6.6 million while giving itself the space it needs for the next 15-20 years.
Why not rent the building instead?
Building owner, for personal reasons, prefers to sell the property and not lease. Mr. Thomas also prefers that the Town purchase the property.
What condition is the building in?
The building had its roof replaced approximately 5 years ago. The interior features relatively new improvements. A large retail area in the front features wood laminate flooring and a suspended ceiling with acoustic panes. The walls are finished with drywall. There are two restrooms at the rear of the building, and both have newer improvements and comply with handicap standards. There is a partitioned room next to the two restrooms. The building has central heating and air conditioning, and the equipment is assumed to be in average or better condition with no repairs needed.
Where will the funds come from for the purchase?
The Town’s Fund 325 – Community Facilities is reserved for property acquisition and will have an estimated balance of $684,658 at the end of FY 2024/25 to meet the purchase cost.
How much will the expansion cost in total?
The purchase price of 3655 Taylor Road is $647,000with architectural design and construction costs estimated at $202,400. The total project estimated cost is $850,000.
What will the Town have to do to the building to make it usable?
Currently, the building has an open floor plan. The office space will need interior walls for offices, a conference room, and a reception area. In addition, cubicles and other infrastructure will be needed (electrical, lighting, etc.).
Where will the design and construction funds come from?
The Town may use General Fund money for the tenant improvements through an interfund loan that would be paid back by future Fund 325 revenues. The Town would basically borrow from itself, and based upon Fund 325 revenue trends, the interfund loan could be paid off in 3.6 years.
Where do Fund 325 monies come from?
Fund 325 comes from developer fees and investments that can only be used for new or expanded facilities which has a 5-year average income of $41,000.
How long will the project take?
The timeline to design and construct the expansion project is 12 to 13 months once the purchase is complete and the design and construction contracts are in place.