Berlin appropriates $5 million for police station renovations. ‘This was a purpose-driven design.’

The Berlin Town Council authorized the bonding of $3.7 million, and the appropriation of another $1 million for the renovations of the town’s police station. An appropriation of $300,000 was made in 2022.

Brian Humes, of Jackunski Humes Architects, LLC, gave a presentation at the council’s Oct. 3 meeting about the project.

Humes said an assessment was done to accommodate the police department’s needs.

“We didn’t just take space and make up uses for the space,” he said. “This was a purpose-driven design to specifically address what is needed in the department.”

The design calls for renovation of vacant space, currently used for storage, which will become male and female locker rooms, a training area, interview space, and space for evidence processing and storage.

Some exterior work will also be done, renovating sidewalks and entryways.

Restrooms that are currently not up to ADA standards, but will be compliant after the renovations.

The project is out for bidding, as of Sept. 25, with a decision set to be made by Oct. 26.

Berlin is also expecting to receive funds from the state, in the amount of $750,000, which will offset part of what the town borrows.

“Fingers crossed, everything will go through,” said state Rep. Donna Veach, who is also a member of the Town Council. “I will continue to work hard to do whatever we can, leaving no stones unturned. This is an important project for our community.”

Approval of the total funds is necessary to proceed with accepting a bid, but the town doesn’t necessarily have to spend the entire $5 million, and any other grants or funding would offset costs.

“If we get the $750 [thousand] maybe we don’t need the $1 million,” said Mayor Mark Kaczynski.

Town Finance Director Kevin Delaney said the town can afford the $1 million.

“This is $1 million out of the town’s savings to help with the cost and help mitigate borrowing,” Delaney said. “The town has sufficient reserves to appropriate this money, and still retain at least 11% of the town’s general fund operating budget, as a reserve, afterwards.”

The council voted unanimously in favor of the $1 million appropriation and the bonding of $3.7 million.

For more information, visit www.berlinct.gov.