Chatham-Kent Council will be asked to approve a $43.6 million construction contract, including HST, for the Chatham-Kent Community Hub at its next meeting on Monday night.
The price tag was reduced to $39.3 million after the municipality received a tax rebate.
Councillors will also be asked to approve a 20-year debenture of up to approximately $16.7 million with the annual payments coming from the existing operating budget for Facility Replacement.
Also up for approval is extending by two years the project manager contract, at a cost of $320,000 to come from reserves, to oversee construction of the complex.
Administration said construction will begin in December if the contract is approved, and the hub, with a new civic centre, library, and museum, should be open to the public by February 2028.
The total price tag for the project adds up to $52.8 million with costs added in for purchasing the former Sears building, consulting costs, buying new furniture, moving expenses, and equipment purchases.
Staff emphasized once again that the project won't require future tax increases because it will be funded through reserves and the sale of other surplus municipal buildings, such as the current civic centre and fire station, and the Chatham library branch and parking lot.
"The consolidation of the Civic Centre, Chatham Library and Museum to one site will have a positive impact on the Municipality’s Asset Management Plan infrastructure gap by having a newly renovated building and selling two buildings in need of repair and the parking lot at 24 Cross Street," the staff report said.
