The city of Albert Lea is looking to acquire land near their public works building on Commercial Street to increase the amount of space and efficiency currently located at the shop, Albert Lea city manager Chad Adams said Thursday night.

The announcement was included in the 2016 preliminary budget that was released Thursday night at a city council budget work session meeting.

The city is looking into adding an administrative building to the facility that is located at 414 Commercial St.

The project, titled Phase I in a planned, two phase project, is expected to cost approximately $2 million. The funds are planned to come from the city’s general fund budget reserve, the water fund and sewer fund. Taxes wouldn’t be raised, according to Adams.

Phase II is expected to cost approximately $8.6 million. A new addition is planned in Phase II construction to the north and the west of the current facility. Phase II would add fleet space for all the vehicles, Adams said.

The flow for all the vehicles is planned to be improved, and a salt storage shed would be added in Phase II.

The city is looking at acquiring the old, abandoned railroad west of the facility to ensure the city has sufficient yard space for their flow of operations at the site.The city is also looking at acquiring land to the north of the building.

A discussion with the public will probably be needed before Phase II can be approved, Adams said.

Adams said that in a best-case scenario, Phase I will begin in Spring 2016. Adams said Phase II likely won’t begin for another four to five years at the earliest.

“As the facilities master plan shows, a lot of the space out there is beyond its useful life,” Adams said. “The office areas aren’t ideal space-wise and we are looking at bringing every department into the same area.”

A contract won’t be signed with an architect until the city knows the land will be there for Phase I.

Adams said the proposed project is important for the city.

“We would be able to provide the most cost efficient services for the community,” Adams said. “We wouldn’t be duplicating equipment and services, and we can remove barriers due to the current inefficiencies of the building.”

The facility currently needs extensive repair, according to a facility overview. The review said light fixtures are deteriorating in the building, the salt shed is at the end of its useful life, the perimeter fence is damaged, the office roof is leaking, the restrooms are not ADA compliant and there are no locker or restroom space for female staff.

The building is approximately 100 years old and was the site of the old creamery building. Adams said the building wasn’t meant to be used in its current capacity.

The city garage currently holds trucks and different maintenance areas. The utilities, street, and parks department is currently sharing space in the building.

Adams said the addition would allow the city to provide a safe working environment for their employees.

Public input on the possible Phase I project is planned to be gathered at the Aug. 24 City Council meeting.

The tentative schedule for the 2016 budget process includes:

• Aug. 10: There will be room for public comment on the preliminary budget during Monday’s city council meeting,

• Aug. 11-13: public input is planning to be gathered at neighborhood picnics,

• Aug. 20: work session,

• Sept. 14: establish preliminary levy and budget,

• October-November: presentations and work sessions in relation with the budget,

• December: final levy and budget adoption.