Tucker approves bid, agreements for new city hall

The city of Tucker approved a bid for the buildout of a new city hall and multiple agreements in conjunction with the project at its April 13 city council meeting, which was held on the video conference platform Zoom.

According to Tucker officials, city staff has outgrown its current building, causing some departments to work from city hall annexes and Tucker’s recreation center.

“Those are not ideal working conditions,” said Tucker City Manager Tami Hanlin. “Our primary focus is to improve our customer service to the residents and people who do business in Tucker, and there’s just an inherent efficiency of having all of city staff under one roof. So, we plan to set up a one-stop shop for people who want to come and interact with the city government.”

Hanlin said being in an easy-to-access location also is a factor in Tucker choosing its new city hall.

“We did an extensive search … and considered almost every office space in this city that was properly sized,” Hanlin said. “[The new city hall] is located in a location that is easy to access for residents, and it provides the amenities for staff that will make a comfortable work environment.”

According to Tucker city officials, the agreements approved in conjunction with the project include general contracting for $1,188,341 to Cornerstone, cabling and security to GC&E for $187,529, a state contract for IT equipment to SHI for $70,150, audio visual to Diversify for $174,555 and furniture to Office Creations for $241,756.

Tucker’s new city hall will be located at Lakeside Center off Northlake Parkway at 1975 Lakeside Parkway. Tucker city staff’s initial plan—before the public health crisis—was to move out of their current offices by June 20.

“As of today, we’re still on track for that, but we recognize that it’s a dynamic situation,” said Hanlin.

The city is monitoring the health crisis but also doing what it can to stay on track for its staff’s move-out date, according to Hanlin.

“Right now, we’re just waiting for a permit from DeKalb [County] and working with each contractor to make sure we stay on schedule,” Hanlin said.