The Shalimar Police Department recently opened its new headquarters with a social hour and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The project was primarily financed through Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Town received $417,000 for the project.

The Town had planned to build a building. When a property similar to the proposed construction became available, the Town decided to renovate that structure instead. The structure had been owned by former Town Clerk Lateresa Kellock.

Special Projects Commissioner Brian Taylor volunteered to manage the project to reduce costs. Taylor has a background in construction, so he supervised the design, permitting, contracting and quality control. Taylor did plumbing, electrical and carpentry work on weekends to keep the project on schedule, according to Mayor Mark Franks, Second Vice President of the Florida League of Cities. The final cost of the building was $508,000, which was less than half of the amount of the lowest contractor bid.

To recognize Taylor’s efforts, the Town Commission dedicated the building to him. A plaque will be displayed in the building.

The building includes a dispatch room, full kitchen and holding room. The headquarters has a closed-circuit camera system for the area around the building. Shalimar Police Chief Michael Jacobs said the building will allow the Police Department to grow.