The need is clear: The facilities were always meant to be expanded and renovated, and we are facing significant space, safety, and security deficiencies.  If we fail to act, we fail our staff and public, and we risk eventually losing our beloved Mendota Heights Police Department.  We simply can’t keep kicking the can down the road.

Leadership means doing what is right, not what is easy.  We undertook this project knowing that there would be opposition, and we involved the community from the start.  

We are elected to listen to the public, carefully steward taxpayer dollars, and to make difficult decisions based on facts, expert guidance and long-term value.

Over a year ago, the Council began with a thorough process: a space study, community engagement, guiding principles and expert advice from ICS Consulting.  We examined every reasonable option – renovating, relocating, separating Police and City Hall, and building new.  Ultimately, renovation was eliminated because it would cost approximately 78% of new construction, well above the 60%-70% threshold where municipal construction guidance favors building new. 

We then weighted current needs against future needs.  In December 2025, the Council voted unanimously, 5-0,  to pursue a new building with future need at $33.1 million.  Following additional community input and a $4 million state grant, the project was scaled back to a new building, future ready.

The anticipated costs of $1/day for 20 years (for a median value home) are conservative.  These costs are expected to decrease as we work on financing. 

If the project is paused, or stopped, then millions of dollars will be wasted, and we will lose the $4 million grant from the state.  Likely, a future council will delay this project, costing taxpayers time and money.

We undertook this project so that future generations are not forced to solve the same problem at a greater cost.  Our responsibility is to respect taxpayers and secure the future of our city for ourselves and the next generation.