BY ROBIN MIMNA
The City of Lake Helen faces mounting challenges as it attempts to address necessary repairs to its City Hall, amidst tight budget constraints and competing priorities.
Today’s story began July 2021, when Lake Helen filed an insurance claim for roof damage caused by leaks. Experts attributed the damage to the building’s age and lack of proper maintenance. Zone 3 Commissioner Lyn Donato suggested appealing the assessment. This led to a $75,000 reimbursement.
By March 2023, The Beacon reported that City Hall was worsening. Mold intrusion reached a critical point, forcing officials to relocate city meetings to Hopkins Hall.
In September 2024, the city received bids for the repairs. Mold mitigation will cost an estimated $900,000 to $1.2 million. This includes major duct repairs, window replacements, and sealing. None of the contractors would agree to work in phases over multiple years.
Mold is growing on the ceiling above the dais bench at City Hall.
“There’s a cost to mobilization,” explained City Administrator Jim Gleason, noting that contractors also could not guarantee material costs over a long timeline.
“Any challenge — mold, stormwater or roadways — the longer you ignore it, the worse it will get,” Gleason warned.
Former Vice Mayor Jim Connell noted a missed opportunity for a low-interest loan in 2021 that could have been used to make repairs.
“Now, rates are much higher. Part of the problem is the power commissioners have,” Connell said. He suggested that they should focus on policy, not micromanaging the budget.
SEE THE MOLD? — Lake Helen City Administrator Jim Gleason points out mold around air vents in the upstairs chambers at Lake Helen City Hall.
City Commission focuses on millage rate
In September 2023, Zone 2 Commissioner Roger Eckert introduced a motion to reduce the millage rate from 6.85 to 6.5, which passed without discussion. The decision had majority support. Former Mayor Cameron Lane and Zone 1 Commissioner Heather Rutledge opposed it.
“It’s devastating the projects our city has failed to invest in over the years. We are at a pivotal moment where every dollar makes a difference,” said Rutledge.
A path forward
To tackle its growing $20 million project list, the city is working with engineering firm Woodard & Curran. The list includes stormwater issues, roadwork, and City Hall repairs. They are exploring solutions and seeking state and federal funding.
Despite these efforts, big questions remain. How to finance the repairs to City Hall and other critical projects? Options include taking out loans or holding a referendum. It would gauge residents’ willingness to raise taxes beyond the current millage rate. These decisions will be vital in shaping the city’s future financial strategy.
Gleason stated that they expect a workshop to take place in January to discuss the next steps for addressing the issues at City Hall. Among the topics to be explored is the potential for a temporary relocation of city operations to the former GEM Station.
When asked about City Hall repairs, Mayor Vernon Buton stated that city employees come first.
“My first priority is to keep city staff safe while we make repairs,” Burton said.
While the challenges are significant, Gleason remains hopeful.
“I think if people see their tax dollars at work, they won’t mind an increase,” he said, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement as the city tackles its infrastructure issues.
Tough decisions lie ahead for residents and leaders, with the future of their historic City Hall hanging in the balance.
