The majority of Truesdale city officials indicated last week they will support plans to expand city hall. Following months of debate and disagreements, the proposed project took a step forward when one of the aldermen who opposed the project indicated she was willing to approve spending more than $200,000 to provide more space for the police department and storage. Under the latest proposal prepared by Cochran Engineering, a 1,035-square-foot addition would be constructed on the west side of city hall at an estimated cost of $210,700. Alderman Adriane Null joined Alderman Shalene Blackwood and Bruer in support. Alderman Rhonda Colombo is leaning toward supporting the latest proposal, but continued to express concerns. Six months ago, aldermen voted 4-0 to delay any plans on expanding city hall due to the board being split on the project. Discussions resurfaced last month when Mayor Murray Bruer repeated his desire to see the expansion proceed. "I think my feeling at this point of time, it's a positive," Bruer said. "I think the board is realizing it's time to make a move. There is a need." Officials hoped to solicit input from residents during a town hall meeting held last Wednesday while reviewing an updated drawing of the project. Instead, only two residents and two city employees attended as officials continued to discuss the need for the addition. "I was a little disappointed we didn't get more public input," Bruer said. "But I'm glad it didn't turn into a great debate." One concern raised by resident Debra Magee involved spending the money for the expansion when she had tried multiple times to contact the city's police department about dogs on the loose. She questioned the city's need to spend more than $200,000 when coverage seemed to be lacking. "I would like to see a police officer on duty whenever I need them," she said. Bruer informed Magee the city is currently beefing up its department with personnel and will have 10 part-time officers at its disposal to provide more coverage. The city has been relying on a part-time department since the November firing of the police chief and police officer David Ingle. Even with full-time officers the city never had 24-hour protection, Bruer pointed out, and relied on the sheriff's department to assist as it does now. He said officials will review the current setup when preparations for the 2010-2011 budget begin. "The part-time officers are covering more hours than the two full-time officers did each week," Bruer said. The proposed addition includes separate offices for the city clerk, treasurer and mayor along with a break room and storage room. Space also would be available for a receptionist, but Bruer said he doesn't anticipate the city adding an extra employee at this time. Since city hall would have a new main entrance, additional parking will be available off South Street. The current city hall will be renovated to include separate evidence and interview rooms for police and relocation of the public restrooms. The chamber area will remain in the same location. Depending on bids received, the city could include alternates such as replacing existing windows, siding and carpet. Alternates that Cochran included were projected to cost up to $19,500. If all the potential alternates are included, the overall project cost increases to $230,200. The city has $250,000 budgeted for the project. Bruer estimated the addition and renovation should meet the city's needs for 20 to 25 years at the minimum. Last year, preliminary cost estimates provided by Cochran to build a 1,300-square-foot addition to the north of the existing structure was $286,219.20 or $211,579.20 for a 1,080-square-foot expansion. The projected price dropped to $196,900 for a 1,170-square-foot addition to the west. Until last week, the majority of the board was against the expansion. Colombo said although she wants to see the project move forward, she still has concerns about the costly expenditure. She remains committed to improving the police coverage, she added. "I feel we need more room for the police department," Colombo said. "That has never been my issue." The other alderman who opposed the expansion, Donald McGee, declined to comment about the project when asked following last week's meeting. City officials were expected to continue reviewing the expansion project at this Wednesday's regular aldermanic meeting.