What we reported A $6.1 million contract with Pearland-based Construction Masters of Houston Inc. was approved in November. Although City Council members voiced concerns that costs were higher than anticipated, the contract was approved by a 4-2 vote. The council also approved $1.1 million in certificates of obligation, a form of municipal debt, to fund the project. The plans includes electrical, plumbing, mechanical engineering, a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, upgrades to the elevators and security systems, and build-out of the community center. The City Hall complex comprises the 30-year-old City Hall and the 34-year-old city annex buildings. The total cost for the project is estimated at $6.98 million. The city set aside $5.9 million for the project, about $4.7 million of which are previously issued certificates of obligation. The newly issued debt will close the funding shortfall.

The latest Renovations at the City Hall complex began in December. The project does not include the building envelope, which includes walls, doors, windows and roofing.

What’s next The contractor is slated to complete the project by late 2017. The newly issued debt to fund the renovations will not increase the city’s tax rate but would increase the city’s annual debt service by about $55,000, Deputy City Manager Jon Branson said.

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of 10 things to look for here