County 10 shared last week the City of Lander was awarded $250,000 in CARES Act funding earmarked for a City Hall remodel and technology upgrade.
The changes provide more room for the Lander Municipal Court and the Lander Police Department. It also makes the layout of the building more public-friendly, shared Lander’s Assitant Mayor RaJean Strube-Fossen.
The courtroom and Lander City Council Chamber will become one large shared space, instead of two small spaces. This nearly doubles the current courtroom size, however, it does decrease the openness of the Council Chamber since there will now be walls.
The LPD also gains a little more space, as well as an evidence room on their side of the building.
The remodel provides room to adhere to current COVID guidelines, along with additional safety measures for staff like pay windows for all three departments.
Also, a person’s right to a speedy trial will not be infringed due to social distancing guidelines and/or lack of technology for virtual proceedings. When COVID hit, the courtroom went from 40 chairs to 8, Strube-Fossen explained.
With the changes, there are a few other adjustments. Some private office spaces are seeing a decrease. “It’s a trade-off,” she said. You can view the new floor plans by clicking here.
The remodel has started and will be ongoing for the next 3 months. “We hope the public can be patient with us during construction,” said Strube-Fossen.
Notice will be given if a department is closed for a day or by appointment only.