The Bell County Commissioners Court has awarded the contract for the construction of a new Killeen Annex to Temple-based Baird/Williams Construction. The decision came after a motion by Precinct 4 Commissioner Louie Minor.

In a statement, Minor confirmed that the base bid for the construction project stands at $9,853,590. Additionally, there is an alternative addition of $53,000 for concrete paving and a deduction of $24,821 for doors.

The new Killeen Annex is set to replace the current facility located on Priest Drive. Once completed, the new Annex will span over 28,000 square feet and will feature both office spaces and courts. Key departments, including the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Place 1 and 2, Precinct 4 Constable, Vehicle Registration, Appraisal District, Veteran Service Office, and Treasurer, are scheduled to relocate to the new building.

According to Minor, construction will begin this summer, and the project is anticipated to take approximately 488 days to complete, marking the start of a significant upgrade to the facilities serving Killeen’s community.

The new Annex will serve as an important center for local government functions. As of now, no decisions have been made regarding the future use of the existing Annex on Priest Drive once the move is complete.

This move comes at a time when the city of Killeen is continuing to grow, and additional space is needed to accommodate the expanding services for its residents. The new Annex will not only provide a larger physical space for essential government offices but will also ensure that services remain accessible and effective for the public.

Minor emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “The new Killeen Annex will provide our community with a modern and efficient space for conducting government business. It’s crucial that we continue to adapt to our growing population and provide facilities that meet the needs of Killeen’s residents.”

Further updates regarding the project’s progress and the future of the current facility will be provided as construction moves forward.

The construction of the new Killeen Annex represents a significant investment in Killeen’s infrastructure, ensuring that the city remains well-equipped to handle the demands of its residents. As Texas' population continues to grow, municipalities like Killeen are taking proactive steps to ensure they have the resources and facilities necessary for smooth and efficient local governance. The Bell County Commissioners Court, by selecting Baird/Williams Construction, has made a deliberate choice to work with an experienced local contractor capable of delivering a project of this scale on time and within budget. The new Annex is expected to stand as a cornerstone for future city planning and development.

Originally reported by Jacob Wallin in KcenTV.