Beeville’s long-awaited City Hall project faced renewed scrutiny Tuesday as city leaders once again pressed architects and project managers for answers on delays, rising costs and a timeline that continues to stretch further than originally planned.
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During the Dec. 9 council meeting, Mayor Mike Willow made his frustration unmistakably clear as Chris Minnich of Turner Ramirez Architects walked officials through the latest construction update. The presentation outlined missed milestones, cost adjustments and pending change orders that have pushed completion well beyond the city’s expectations.
“I’m disappointed in the length of time,” Willow said, underscoring a sentiment that has grown among both council members and residents. “We’re supposed to be in this building already, and from the pictures, we don’t look anywhere close.”
Minnich acknowledged the concern and provided updated figures showing how earlier delays, material shortages, and unexpected site conditions contributed to the prolonged schedule. According to the update, contractors are still working through several critical phases of construction, with exterior work, interior systems, and final finish-outs all behind initial projections.
Council members also questioned the volume of change orders still under review, noting that each adjustment has the potential to affect both budget and schedule. Minnich explained that some of the pending items relate to required upgrades, code compliance adjustments, or supply-chain-driven substitutions that were not available when the project was first designed.
The meeting also highlighted how the delays impact city operations. The temporary relocation of key departments—intended to last only months—has stretched into a much longer period, complicating staffing, public access and administrative efficiency. Several council members emphasized that the community has been awaiting a new City Hall capable of supporting modern services, technology upgrades and improved public engagement.
Despite the frustration, project managers maintained that progress is ongoing and that several major components are nearing completion. Minnich shared updated visuals illustrating recent work, though the photos reinforced Willow’s concerns about the pace of construction.
The mayor and council directed architects and contractors to deliver more frequent progress reports, specifically requesting clearer explanations of what has been completed, what remains, and what decisions the city may need to make to avoid further setbacks. The discussion ended with a renewed push for accountability as officials stressed the importance of finishing the project without additional delays.
The new City Hall, once completed, is expected to provide expanded office space, upgraded meeting facilities, enhanced technology infrastructure and a more accessible environment for Beeville residents. City leaders reiterated that the building remains a top priority and will play a central role in government operations for decades to come—making the ongoing delays all the more concerning.
Originally reported by KDH News.
