North Bend is hosting a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend, to introduce citizens to the architects of, and initial plans for, a new proposed city hall.

Two architectural companies, TCA of Seattle, and Lawhead Architects of Bellevue, have been working on preliminary designs for a building, to be located near the city’s new fire station and public works department. The companies began work in August after the council authorized $20,000 for each to begin the work, and both will present their ideas to the city council at 7 p.m.

Starting at 6 p.m., citizens can meet the architects, view their design drawings and provide feedback.

The city of North Bend has been discussing a new city hall for more than 25 years. Several sites have been considered. The recent commitment to the municipal campus property, already owned by the city, was made for its potential cost savings and the ongoing need to improve city facilities.

By locating a new city hall on this site, the city will be able to consolidate city departments and administrative offices, improving customer service for residents.

To meet the proposed goal of a $5 million price tag, the building will be scaled down, with a footprint of about 10,000 to 14,000 square feet, with 26 offices, one large and two smaller conference rooms, council chambers, and counter space for Public Works, Finance and Community and Economic Development Department staff.

Funding would come from a combination of fund balances, budget savings and revenue from property sales, not from a voter-approved bond.

Citizen comments will be taken during the town hall meeting and at City Hall, Nov. 7 to 9. Citizens are encouraged to stop by in person and share their thoughts about the designs and the requirements for a new building. Comments will be taken from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7; 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 8; and 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Video of the town hall meeting will be available on the media center on the city website at http://northbend.wa.gov.