RANGELY I Rangely Town Hall will soon be undergoing major changes in its appearance and function. In addition to providing space for Rio Blanco County offices in the building, the current spaces are due for some updating.
“The facility will not meet the State of Colorado’s requirements for accommodating the clerk’s office, and the court and court chambers are in serious need of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements and proper space allocation,” Rangely Town Manager Peter Brixius said.
Part of the changes in Town Hall will require that several offices be shuffled around town, he said, explaining that the Department of Human Services, currently located in Town Hall, will be moved down the street to the building on the corner of South White Avenue and East Main Street. That building will also be home to the Department of Public Health and Environment, including the county nurse.
The portion of Town Hall previously occupied by DHS will then be remodeled to fit the needs of the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, which houses services such as vehicle licensing and registration.
This area of Town Hall will also become the home office for the Rio Blanco County commissioner from the western end of the county, currently Jon Hill.
Additionally, the court rooms and chambers will be remodeled to meet ADA standards.
The entire building will see improvements in finishings, lighting and restrooms, including in the police station and sheriff’s office section of the building.
After recently completing a competitive bid process, the design contract was awarded to Chamberlain Architects, which has developed a design and plan for the remodel.
For now, the combined efforts of the town and county are concentrated on finding the funding.
Once the design has been approved by the town and county, a grant application will be made to the Department of Local Affairs for a Tier II Grant through the Energy Impact Fund to cover 50 percent of the improvements.
The remaining 50 percent of the project cost will be split between the Town of Rangely and the Rio Blanco County according to square footage and utilization.
Brixius said that if everything moves smoothly, the project could be completed in early 2016.
