Mixed Emotions Hang Over St. Joseph’s Government Center Proposal [AUDIO]

ST. JOSEPH -- There was A room full of people with mixed feelings over a proposed new government center in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph City Council called for a special meeting this evening (Monday) explaining the plans for the new facility.

Mayor Rick Schultz says he and the council wanted this meeting to create open dialog between the residents and council.

The new government center would also include more space for the police department and a community center.

Irene Reber is a resident of St. Joseph. She says she would like to see the government center be put on a referendum.

A majority of the residents at the meeting were opposed to the idea of the community center. Reber admits upgrades to the police department and city hall are needed but can be done without the addition of a community center.

Schultz says he hopes to take the points addressed tonight and use them going forward with the plans they currently have.

The projected cost of the building is estimated at $4.4 million to $4.5 million dollars.