HUTCHINS CALLS CITY HALL BOND ELECTION

HUTCHINS – The city council has called an election for Tuesday, Nov. 8 regarding a proposition to issue bonds to construct a new city hall.

Because of the mayor and city council’s sound financial management, there will be no tax increase to the residents associated with the $10,775,000 bond issue. In the Fiscal Year 2022/23 adopted budget, Council reduced the property tax rate by 2.65 cents from .682459 to .655901.

The proposed city hall is 19,231 square feet and will include a 3,500 square foot event center which will enable residents of Hutchins to use the space for receptions, banquets, reunions, graduation parties, community meetings and other events. When not in use by the residents, the city will rent the event center for corporate and business meetings, conferences, and regional events.

The present city hall, located at 321 North Main Street, is housed in a building which used to be a former fire station. The 6,060 square foot building was opened in 1974 when Hutchins consisted of 1,775 residents. Only 4,260 square feet of the present city hall space is usable because of the fire bays.

Hutchins now consists of 6,352 residents and is expected to increase its population significantly in the next several years because of the addition of 1,002 platted residential lots. It is estimated that the number of Hutchins residents should increase to more than 9,000.

Hutchins Mayor Mario Vasquez stated that at its planning retreat in May, city council members unanimously determined that an election for Nov. 8 be called so that the residents could decide on the new city hall.

Mayor Vasquez further stated that the proposed 3,500 square foot event center will provide space for residents to gather, meet and celebrate important events in their life.

City Administrator Jim Quin stated that the present city hall is almost fifty-years old. He indicated that the mayor and city council members desire that the proposed city hall become the focal point of connecting the residents of the community and involving them in city events.

The goal of the proposed city hall is to provide a higher level of service to the residents of Hutchins, Mayor Vasquez stated. It will enhance the way of life of the residents and accommodate future growth, and that the time is now for residents to address the future needs of the city.   

The proposed city hall will be located at the northeast corner of Lancaster Hutchins Road and North JJ Lemon Road. A Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13 in the Public Safety Building fire bay.