The Kennesaw Police Department might build a proposed $8.5 million headquarters for its police department next to the expanding public works building on Moon Station Road. Kennesaw City Council approved putting funds from the  American Rescue Plan (ARP) toward solving the crowded conditions at City Hall in December 2021. The estimated cost of expanding the public works building stands at $2 million. The expenditure qualifies for ARP as a measure to improve social distancing and ventilation.

The second-floor expansion will allow multiple city employees who currently work out of City Hall to relocate. Planning and zoning, economic development, building services, code enforcement, business licensing and GIS will operate in the new space. The first-floor lobby will receive a makeover and a new window for business licenses. Outside, parking will expand to meet ADA requirements and to securely park city vehicles.

“It does benefit the taxpayers so there can be more of a designated location for officers so they won’t have to be all over Cobb. It’s very unique to have a city police department rather than just a county police department. It can consolidate other portions of the government so people won’t have to go to different places to get their business done. As long as they’re updating technologies it can be really beneficial to police departments because some of the older facilities don’t have places for us to work out or shower,” NC campus Officer David Dunkerton said.

By placing it on city property next to the public works building, Kennesaw will save millions on the land cost that will contribute to the building, according to staff. While the council members approved the suggested location,  the decision stood as a discussion item and was not up for a vote.       

According to Drobney, the expansion of the public works will start this year and the city will soon put out requests for proposals. The project was originally planned to start in 2024, although City Manager Jeff Drobney told the Kennesaw City Council that given rising construction costs, it would make sense to start earlier. 

“Let’s see if we can save those dollars. If we can build a $9 million building in 2022, it could be an $11 or $12 million building in 2024,” Drobney said.