West Deer supervisors proceed with $10 million municipal building

The West Deer supervisors took the first step to secure financing for a new municipal building.

On Wednesday, the supervisors authorized the required advertising of an ordinance that will allow for the borrowing of no more than $8 million. Township Manager Dan Mator said it remains to be decided whether that will be through a bank loan or a bond issue.

Township officials plan to start the 17,600-square-foot project, estimated to cost about $10 million, this year and complete it by fall 2024.

The balance of the financing will come from more than $1 million the township has amassed through a yearly budget allocation for the past seven years and from a $1.5 million state grant.

“The expectation from the architect is that we will not have to borrow the entire $8 million,” township Solicitor Gavin Robb said.

Mator said the township still has some other possibilities to help with the financing, referring to additional grants the township is eyeing.

Adoption of the financing ordinance is expected to be voted on at the February supervisors meeting.

The budget for the actual construction outlined last August by the architects from HHSDR Architects and Engineers amounted to about $8.8 million. The remaining money will be used for utilities, furnishings and fees associated with inspection, permits, engineering and design.

Regardless of the final cost, Supervisors Chairwoman Beverly Jordan was emphatic about one thing regarding the new building.

“This will not increase taxes,” she said.