MUNCIE, Ind. — At the recent Board of Works meeting this week, February 11, Mayor Dan Ridenour embarked on another public safety project: finding a new headquarters for the Muncie Police Department.

Muncie’s Board of Public Works and Safety, led by Ted Baker, signed a deal Wednesday with Indianapolis consultant group Veridus Advisors to develop goals, find a site and draft a budget and timetable. The cost to taxpayers is $40,000 initially and the contract details future services for construction. Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds will be used to pay the expense. The mayor indicated the current headquarters in Muncie’s City Hall basement routinely flooded where the gym and property room are located, and parking continues to be problematic as the city’s fleet grows.

The decision to hire a private engineering firm also was made, Ridenour said, given City Engineer Adam Leach is busy with public works and temporarily in charge of the Muncie Sanitary District, which is looking for a new director.

Board member Linda Gregory asked when the public that pays for the project would be involved. The mayor promised that would come during early stages of development.
A citizen at the meeting mentioned that police always operated out of City Hall since the late 19th Century, and said the city carries a $72 million debt, according to Indiana Gateway.

About a half century ago, a police station was built on McCulloch Park and is now the site of Fire Station 6, 1201 N. MLK Blvd, that has an open house Friday afternoon.

Baker thought using the company was a good approach as he, Gregory and Lola Mauer approved the contract. All members of the board are appointed by the mayor.

A replacement for Fire Station 5 near Ball State University and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, 600 N. Tillotson Ave, is also in the works.

The board also renewed a contract with L&W Billboard for promotion of events along Interstate 69. Billboards have been used for the summer IRONMAN event and other events in Muncie. The contract’s cost to taxpayers is $1,700 a month.