PORT TOWNSEND — Weary of public scrutiny during a heightening election season, City Manager David Timmons is defending a $6.7 million City Hall restoration and annex project.
Angered by a headline in the Thursday Jefferson County edition of the PDN, “Old City Hall a money pit?” Timmons said the project is saving a community treasure, as well as money in the long run.
“The project has gotten a very raw deal both publicly and media-wise,” Timmons said.
Officials with the Jefferson County Historical Society, now tasked with raising $600,000 to complete the building’s interior in its final phase, support Timmons.
Members say the 114-year-old red brick building at Water and Madison streets is the oldest city hall standing in Washington.
The Historical Society has used and will continue to use space in the building once the project is completed.
The annex is scheduled for completion in December while City Hall restoration will be done in April.
‘Only a 5 percent increase’
Timmons said that when the project started in 2002, the projected cost estimate for all phases was $6.4 million.
“Three years later and with only one phase remaining, our estimate to complete is $6.7 million,” Timmons said.
“That’s only a 5 percent increase over three years.”
By comparison, he said, the average cost overrun in the public sector is running about 20 percent to 30 percent.
“What we have accomplished is pretty remarkable when you consider the extensive renovation being done, even from a conservative point of view,” Timmons said.
