Police Station Construction Numbers Approved

Cookeville City Council approved three resolutions Thursday night to begin construction on a new police station to be completed by November, 2021.

“This is a great step for Cookeville,” Council Member Eric Walker said.

The council approved the $13.66 million construction costs for the facility. Council also accepted the budget for the furniture and fixtures. A water line will need to be lowered along Neal Street. Council approved that $42,000 work order. Movement of the line should begin next week and be completed by mid August.

“As the son of a former chief of that department, I know he would be smiling right now in appreciation and thankfulness that this is getting done for the department,” Mayor Ricky Shelton said.

The police department has been housed under the Cookeville Performing Arts Center for more than four decades. Shelton said discussions about moving the department began during the early 2000s.

“I’ve seen the police department develop into a very sophisticated, upscale police department,” Council Member Charles Womack said. “I think we need a new facility to accommodate our growing city.”

W&O Construction will lead the project. Bids were submitted June 19.

“The project will start once the change order number one is signed and notice to proceed is issued,” Police Chief Randy Evans said.

The facility will be built off Neal Street near the Cookeville Higher Education Campus.

“I think our police department represents in law enforcement one of the best agencies I know,” Walker said. “You guys a deserve a high-class, nice space to work.”