By Sam Parsons

The Ottumwa City Council met last night and held a public hearing to approve the plans, specs, form of contract, and estimated cost for their City Hall Improvements project. The project would include a remodel of the first floor of city hall to better accommodate the public and city employees, as well as the replacement of the existing heating and cooling system, which was said to be about 90 years old.

The project has been in the works for a few months, but city administrator Philip Rath said there were adjustments that needed to be made to meet the existing budget, including the removal of remodels for the 2nd and 3rd floors.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $3.49 million, and will be paid for using funds from the 2022 bond, ARPA, and franchise fees. Bids will be received and opened by the city on August 22nd, with the bid award expected to happen on September 5.