Toccoa Looking at City Hall Renovations

The city of Toccoa is planning to move forward with some renovations to Toccoa City Hall.

On Monday, the Toccoa City Commission met in a work session to discuss the city hall building in downtown Toccoa.

Toccoa City Manager Billy Morse said that it has been more than 25 years since there were major upgrades done to any part of City Hall.

According to Morse, the front part of City Hall facing Alexander Street was built in 1932 as the Toccoa Post Office and the back of the building was built in 1991.

Morse said the building needs significant repairs and restoration and $300,000 was set aside in SPLOST VI to use on the work.

He said that money has been collected and is ready to be used.

Morse said he has a priority order for the projects.

“What I call weatherproofing or waterproofing this building is a priority, so the roof, there are some windows, caulking, so that certainly needs to be step number one,” said Morse. “What I am calling curb appeal, some things on the outside, masonry, stucco, concrete, and then some things on the interior might be a third phase.”

Toccoa Mayor Evan Hellenga agreed that the roof should come first.

However, he asked Morse if the city’s set aside $300,000 would be enough.

“I do have a concern,” said Hellenga. “Is the $300,000 going to at least get us weather-tight?”

“I think it will and you will have some money left over,” said Morse.

Morse said he would like the city to do the work in a piecemeal manner with a plan to use city crews wherever possible to save money.

Morse also recommended creating a City Hall Renovations Committee made up of two commissioners and city staff to oversee the renovations.

“I think that is a way for the commission to be represented and get the work done without having to deal with a work session type environment,” said Morse.

Commissioners Gail Fry and Terry Carter will serve on the City Hall Renovations Committee, along with selected staff members.

No timeline was given during Monday’s work session for starting actual work.