NORFOLK, Neb. — A significant expansion of the Norfolk Police Division headquarters is moving ahead following unanimous city council approval, but a nearly $3 million increase in the project’s projected cost has drawn public scrutiny. The budget, which has risen from an original estimate of $10.5 million to as much as $13.4 million, sparked questions from council members and residents alike.

To address those concerns, representatives from Tessere Incorporated, the architecture and design firm working on the project, offered a detailed explanation during a recent city meeting. According to Jonathon Long, an architect with Tessere, the increase reflects the true scope of a comprehensive municipal facility upgrade—not just the bricks and mortar.

Long emphasized that the revised figure includes far more than construction. “The shift from the initial estimates to the current figures, ranging between $10.5 to $13.4 million, encompasses a broad spectrum of costs,” he said. “These include not only the construction itself—the most substantial part of the budget—but also design service fees, furniture, equipment, IT infrastructure, and security provisions.”

The expansion is intended to address longstanding deficiencies in the current facility. Chief Brian Tighe of the Norfolk Police Division explained that, despite a recent roof renovation, the building continues to experience issues that undermine public safety and operational efficiency. “For the safety of our citizens, the well-being of our employees, and our commitment to taxpayers, we must move forward,” Tighe said.

He noted problems such as leaking windows, malfunctioning HVAC systems, and outdated plumbing. Additionally, the facility lacks essential spaces like a dedicated area for juvenile processing—a growing concern as community needs evolve.

Now approved, the project will move into the next phases of design and bidding. Long said Tessere is ready to act quickly to capitalize on favorable construction market conditions. “As far as the architectural engineering goes, we would like to have this plan out within the next few weeks so there can be a bid soon,” he said. “As far as being approved to be advertised for bid, that will be something for the city to determine.”

The city has not yet announced a timeline for groundbreaking or completion, but officials expect to move swiftly as the project enters the final design and procurement stages.

Originally reported by Hanky Q. Hazelton in News Channel Nebraska.