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Vidalia considering new municipal complex
Originally published 02:00 p.m., March 4, 2009
Updated 12:00 a.m., March 5, 2009
VIDALIA — Space is limited in Vidalia’s municipal buildings, and Mayor Hyram Copeland said Wednesday the city is considering building a new municipal complex.
The proposed complex, which will be built at an estimated cost of between $3.5 and $4 million, will encompass city hall and the police and fire departments.
The safety departments and municipal offices have expanded their current facilities as much as possible, and following damage caused by Hurricane Gustav city hall has become infested with black mold, Copeland said.
“With the building we are in now, if we try to remodel that, we are still limited for space and the estimated cost for remodeling is $140 a square foot,” Copeland said. “We think we can do it for less than that.”
The police and fire departments already share a complex on John Dale Drive, but both Police Chief Ronnie G. “Tapper” Hendricks and Fire Chief Jack Langston said their departments don’t have enough room.
“This building was built in 1954, and at that time there was one man working at the fire station and two at the police station,” Langston said.
The two departments have improved and expanded their facilities through the years, but there’s no more room for expansion.
“We are maxed out here — we are crowded to the point that we have more people working here than we have room for,” Langston said.
The police department has had to grow to match the growth of Vidalia, Hendricks said.
“The problem is that building isn’t growing with them,” he said.
Currently, the fire department’s day area serves the triple duty of being a kitchen, front office and locker room, and the sleeping quarters are also crowded. The chiefs’ offices are in a 10-foot-by-30-foot trailer behind the station.
The police end of the building is “falling apart,” Hendricks said.
When he took over as police chief in July, Hendricks did some remodeling of the station, but the building had a problem that wasn’t detected at that time.
“The bug man came and sprayed last week, and (termites) were pouring out of the ceiling — it was hundreds of them,” Hendricks said.
The proposed complex will be able to house a ladder truck for the fire department, something the city needs to be able to keep its fire rating, Langston said.
“Right now we wouldn’t have anywhere to put it if somebody gave us one,” he said.
Likewise, Hendricks said the new police department would have more holding cells. While the parish jail holds adult offenders, the Vidalia police will house juvenile offenders for the juvenile court. They currently only have one cell.
Vidalia aldermen have separately met informally with Copeland to discuss the proposed project, and it will be discussed at the next city council meeting, Copeland said.
The funding for the project would come from existing taxes and grants, and the city will sell the old building, Copeland said.
“The interest rates are probably the lowest we have seen in years, and with the availability of monies with the stimulus funding and grants, now is the opportune time to do it,” Copeland said. “For us, it is a necessity because of the conditions of our present buildings.”
The proposed site for the new municipal complex is behind Kaiser’s truck stop, and Copeland said he hopes to see the city break ground on the project by mid-summer.
Comments
Posted by UpNorth (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Ferriday you can to I bet fire chief Joe & his assistance Herman are tired of climbing them wore out stairs.
Posted by knowsthefacts (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here we are in the midst of an economic depression and the"Godfather" wants to add to his spending of taxpayer money! Trying to further his "legacy" as mayor, Copeland will expand the already bloated "family and friends" city departments by creating (out of thin air) positions that pay salarys way too much for a town of only abou 4000 people.
Remember, just because his salary is $70,000/yr and the Police Chief is $60,000/yr, can we the voters and taxpayers of Vidalia shoulder much more taxes to pay for all these extravagant projects in this area? THINK ABOUT IT!!!
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometimes it comes down to health. I wouldn't want to have to work in a place that has black mold. That would end up costing the tax payers even more in health related costs.
The police dept. and fire dept are jammed in together and could use a better place too. Puting City Hall, the PD & FD all in one complexe makes sense.
Vidalia can afford it and more than likely there will be grants that can help with this. If so, I have faith that Ms. Malone will find them.
Posted by karma123 (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
knowsthefacts,
"godfather", ha ha, come on.
and how do you know their salaries exactly....are you part of this FAMILY AND FRIENDS department and they let you go? i agree with jammin1 vidalia can afford it because he has done such a good job, he seems to "know the facts" on how to get things done in this city.
Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This would also help insure less vandalism at the new sports complex area. I see win-win on this idea.
Posted by Bozo (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Doesn't the mayor and some of his cronies own property in that area? I smell a boondoggle.
boon·dog·gle [ bn dàwg'l, bn dògg'l ] (plural boon·dog·gles)
noun
Definition:
1. wasteful pursuit: an activity or project that is unnecessary and wasteful of time or money, especially one undertaken for personal or political gain
2. politically motivated government project: a government project of little practical value funded to gain political favor
Posted by knowsthefacts (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ask any employee, utility or street, and they will tell you of the power of "Godfather" in Vidalia. Never mind asking any of the chosen supervisors of any departments as they will claim what a wonderful job this administration is doing, spending money that may not be there. In the begining, Hyram was doing a good job running the city. but then he appointed his "family and friends" to new jobs created just for them, with good salarys. There may truly be a need for a new City Hall, but perhaps at a later date when times improve. The proposed location would require the Citizens of Vidalia to drive OUT past Wal-Mart to pay their monthly utility bills, which would surely increase to pay for this project. This is something we do not need at this time, perhaps in 3 or 4 years when things improve.
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on March 4, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It,s about like Natchez,the country is on the brink of a depression and we build forks of the road,extend the trace,do major highway projects after all the major industry and taxpaying business,plus many employees have dissappeared,another great move. Spend millions after the town goes bust.What pray tell is the purpose of blowing millions on roadwork,when nobody is traveling to any extent. Why didn,t they have a fourlane coming to Natchez many,many years ago so we wouldn,t be bypassed by everybody?
Posted by crawgator (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All political figures enter with good intentions and then that pull of Kingship pulls at the coat and before you know it you are one of those you despised and decided to run. Take a look at things and readjust your ways. I believe this is why term limits are a good thing in a position of total leadership. I understand things change and there are some old cramped offices but hey Dont ask me to stretch my dollar any further. My George Washintons already look like a 20 something again.
Posted by lroberts1 (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
we need a medical facility with NEW and responsible Dr's and nurses. . why not take a vote on thar?What the h--- is wrong with you,I spell not a fish but a bunch of politicts, All I have ever seem HIm do is ride around in a car,that has mayor on the door .BET HE DIDN"T BUY THAT CAR>>>
.BOZO I like that so I used it two..
wasteful pursuit: an activity or project that is unnecessary and wasteful of time or money, especially one undertaken for personal or political gain
2. politically motivated government project: a government project of little practical value funded to gain political
Posted by bayougal (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right Goodo--that's a lousy place for this new complex.
Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
knowthefacts......Your statement about the mayor hiring "family and friends"...but lets it go at that..If you have facts, then finish your statement, not just keep spreading rumors that have no stubstance.
Posted by Vidaliaresident (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Explains my utility bill.
Posted by mskitty (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
knowsthefacts, the mayor has no family working for the city. You know nothing. You sound like an employee that was fired for wrong doing. You throw false statements out every time you comment. The land that is owned is nowhere near the area for this new complex. I am sick of hearing people complain. Look how far the city has come, 20 years ago no industry or constuction was happening. Now that Vidalia actually has places to shop, eat, play and nice schools you are still complaining. What do you want, a pint of blood or a kidney. Give me a break.
Posted by Vidaliaresident (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When you look around the surrounding area Vidalia is truly the jewel of the region. Now some give credit to the mayor and some give credit to others but the fact is the people of Vidalia are the reason. The mayor has done a good job, the police chief both past and present have done good jobs, the fire department and ambulance come when called, and the town still has garbage men who go behind my house get my garbage and return the cans to their place. The reason Vidalia is so nice is because with the new and improved changes the people both working for and living in the city have stayed true to themselves. Vidalia is a great place to live and raise a family. My only complaint is we are stuck so far from an interstate. An interstate would triple the size of our city in a matter of a year or two.
Posted by BigFred (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there are a few of us who need to grow up a little bit and stop the name calling and accusations. Look at the entire Parish of Concordia and see which one is "a city on the move". I think it would do some of us a bit of good to get over their personal dislike for the mayor and realize the good he has done for our area. We have a Port coming in, a new boat ramp, a new Promise Hospital coming in, a new sporting complex coming in (which many have been wanting!), and I for one think we need to upgrade the city administrations buildings. The only problem I have with it is the location. I think it should be closer than the proposed site and right off of 84 for better access.
What about the possibility of a sub station (police department) remaining in the current location?
To those who are unhappy about who works where.. maybe you should have shown up to apply for the position yourself?
Posted by montereyjack (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I smell a bunch of rats....not one....but a bunch. I bet Cope and his little group needs another trip to DC ...you go figure.
Posted by BigFred (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get your nose out of joint montereyjack, join the area and its efforts in the rise of the community.
Posted by knowsthefacts (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vidaliaresident is right! My apoligy to the people of Vidalia.
But before any embarassement is brought to this fair city, perhaps it is time for the Mayor to reveal all the Supervisor positions and salaries of the City and the Riverfront(which is still a part of the city) and any relationship he has with these people. After all he has said that he will be "Mayor For Life" and he cannot be deafeated in any election.
This is something that even the Natchez Democrat should do.
Posted by SniperX (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like a great idea and great location. Vidalia is on the move. I wish some of the stupid people in Vidalia would move to Natchez. Examples: knowsthefacts, lroberts1, and Bozo. Natchez loves stupid people, you could get elected to the Natchez city council. Or maybe move to Ferriday, then we can read on the ND how you got attacked. Vidalia's elected leaders are doing a great job. Our property value is staying up, our schools are doing great, and new businesses are relocating to our area. What else do you want?
Posted by mskitty (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Mayor is kin to no one who works at the riverfront. Quit lying, knowsthefacts. You are a lying and you know it. You were probably fired from working there. That is why you are so unhappy.
Posted by james (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GREAT REPLY MSKITTY ! YOU CAN,T ARGUE WITH IDIOTS BECAUSE THEY WILL DRAG YOU DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL AND BEAT YOU WITH EXPERIENCE EVERY TIME!
Posted by gnikmas (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Think they're referencing his God children and close friends, not necessarily his kin by blood.
Posted by mskitty (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He has one godson. He is 4 years old. There are no others. Get your facts straight.
Posted by gnikmas (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. Kitty,
I was only assuming what others were talking about. Who are the Staggs brothers to him?
Posted by mskitty (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
employees, that is all. People need to get facts straight before they gossip.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
[/quote] Vidalia is a great place to live and raise a family. My only complaint is we are stuck so far from an interstate. An interstate would triple the size of our city in a matter of a year or two.[/quote]
Vidaliaresident, becareful what you wish for, you just might get it. Triple size also increases the crime and inner city pressures.
As for all those who don't like the location preposed, where else do you see room enough to place a project of this size, and still be within the city limits? If you mean to keep it in the area of it's current location, it would be more costly to have to tear down all of the buildings and remove the debris neccessary to construct a new complex of this size.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is a great idea and will create jobs. I only hope is is named for something other than a former mayor or any individual. Name it for the tax payers that pay the bills. "The Peoples Republic of Vidilia Municipal Building".
Posted by mskitty (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those people have, an are, paying taxes.
Posted by BigFred (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Guess you're right Jammin. I guess that would be the best centralized location as far as available land goes.
Posted by Blasterhappy (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Prime location would be across from Wal-Mart but that seems to be already taken. As far as all the negative comments on the Mayor you people need to get a life and get over the Concordia Underground getting brought down. Mayor Copeland has done a great job and will be long remembered as the Mayor that brought Vidalia to the forefront for business and great place to live. I have often wondered when Vidalia would expand the Police and Fire Departments after the Court House was built. It has been a long time coming and it is the right time with the stimulas and the need for jobs. It's a win win situation. Some people just don't get it and think everything is a conspiracy.
Also the comment about leaving a substation where the current Police and Fire Department are is a great idea.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am curious Blasterhappy just what you mean by, "the Concordia Underground getting brought down."
If you are referring to TCU it wasn't "brought" down. The owner of the website decided to close it for a while.
Posted by hitchcock (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mskitty
Just out of curiousity why would the Stagg brothers tell peope they are Copelands godsons if they are not?
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hitchcock and anyone else who wants to know anything concerning the Mayor should give him a call. He would be glad to answer your concerns. Go to the city meetings and find out whats going on. If you don't ask and just listen to rumors then you will spread gossip. The Staggs brothers are not his godsons. Please say the names of the people who have said they told them that.
Posted by peachpit (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vidalia has done a great job. She has been a friend of every city around her.
The Mayor has the smarts and the experience to put Vidalia on the map. And it's not for our onions. Alot of which dosen't cost the tax payers a dime.
But let him cut into a layer at home and you start to see the crying by some who think every move is a conspiracy therory.
Good thing the criers aren't running this town.
Posted by peachpit (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although I would like to be able to pay my bill on-line.
Posted by hitchcock (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have to give names & I'm NOT spreading rumors, I was only asking why they would say they were. It wasn't even me that brought it to attention it was "gnikmas" that ask who they were.
Posted by bayougranny (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most is hearsay and untruths some I hate to say is true.
Why not put the new building off Advocate Row. There is still some land there next to Wally World.
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bayougranny, what is the truth?
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on March 5, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bayougranny, that is where the kids play and practice for soccer, football and so on. They wouldn't have any place to go until the new complexe is finished if the city builds there.
I'm not sure if that area would be large enough to handle the size of the facility that will be needed to house the PD, FD, City Hall, Utilities and everything else they plan to put in there.
Posted by Blasterhappy (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vidalia, LA is NOT known for it's onions...that would be Vidalia, GA. But good point anyaway.
Posted by Vidaliaresident (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the ballparks are moving and we already own that land why not put the new building there? Just a thought, I would rather see it in a residential area close to the citizens than out on the highway. The ballpark area is located at a midpoint in town as well..............
Posted by mskitty (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is only one godson and he is 4, regardless of what the staggs boy say. They are no kin and never will be. That's the facts. People can say whatever they want. Just because it is said does not make it true.
Posted by hitchcock (anonymous) on March 6, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mskitty & vilou
Thanks for clearing that up.
Now I wonder why they would tell city employees that.
Don't think I am putting down on the mayor because I have always had the utmost respect for him, maybe not all of his desisions, but as for his character he his a great guy.
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