By Stephen Dawkins

Jemison has invested about $1.6 million in its new Municipal Complex, according to Mayor Eddie Reed.

The figure is not exact because some aspects of the project–such as a large clock on the outside of the building, exterior lighting and signage–have yet to be completed, Reed said Thursday.

Reed declined to provide more information about costs related to the project.

The city purchased the old ACE Hardware building and accompanying land adjacent to the old city hall after the business had closed, and the renovated 18,000-square foot building opened in early May.

Part of the decision to build a new city hall was that the city had $586,000 left from a bond issue for a sewer project. If the money had not been used–and for some type of construction project–the city would have had to repay the funds.

The Municipal Complex provides the city with more space for municipal court, the police department, council meetings and the library.

Before construction of the building, municipal court was held at the city’s fire station, and council meetings often had more people in attendance than seats.

The facility also features an auditorium that can seat as many as 400 people in front of a stage, a sound system and two drop-down projection screens.

The auditorium can be rented for reunions, banquets and other gatherings.

According to Reed, Popwell Appraisal Service in Clanton recently appraised the property at $2.762 million.