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HARTINGTON — The city’s equipment now has a new home and soon drivers will too.
As Hartington’s city shop project nears completion, the old building is likely to be demolished.
“It looks like we are going to tear (the old building) down, keep the property, and use it for parking,” said Hartington Mayor Mark Becker.
The equipment is mostly allmoved into the new facility, said Becker and city utility superintendent Corey Kramer.
“They are operating now, out of the new city shop, not 100% moved in, but getting pretty close,” said Becker.
Before the project, the city’s equipment was stashed in many locations, including the overflowing and rickety shop and the old fire hall. The city had been wanting to get a new shop for close to 20 years, said Becker.
“You would have to move a piece of equipment to get another piece out. It was pretty inefficient,” said Becker. “This enables us to consolidate all of our equipment in one spot, and it’s big enough where we can get our equipment in and out easily.”
Becker said the old shop is estimated to be 100 years old and could “collapse from a large snow load.” Now, the recent upgrade will provide security for quite some time.
“We’re positioned now for 50 years, our new shop will work just fine,” said Becker.
“We’re right on budget, and maybe a little under,” said Becker.
The new shop is not only an upgrade for the equipment but also for the employees. The building has a built-in cleaning bay to help keep the equipment, trucks and shop clean for use.
With the old fire hall no longer needed for city equipment, Becker said the building will be put up for sale. The remaining equipment in the old shop will be auctioned off next month.
“We are getting rid of some of the stuff that we don’t need,” said Becker.
As the project comes to an end, Becker said plans are underway for an open house to give the community a chance to tour the new addition.
Overall, the project has gone smoothly and will hopefully keep the city equipment safer, cleaner and more accessible.
“I think it looks great,” said Becker. “It will be a much better work environment for the employees.”
