City of Mexico budgets $12.8 million for new city hall as hospital demolition continues

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Mexico estimates it will cost about $12.83 million to turn the former Audrain Community Hospital’s cancer wing into a new City Hall and public safety facility.

The city’s fiscal 2027 budget estimates construction will begin in July 2027 and finish in July 2028. The estimate includes design work and primary site preparation. The fiscal year began Oct. 1.

The city hired JEMA Architect Group to design the building. Navigate Building Solutions will oversee planning and construction.

A staff report on Monday’s City Council agenda lists a second change order for cost0sharing with Audrain County on the Audrain Medical Center project.

The city chose to renovate and expand the former hospital’s cancer wing because it is the part of the building that can be saved. The other former hospital buildings are considered unsuitable for continued use.

The city, Audrain County and Boone Health are also pursuing a new critical access hospital in Audrain County. A July report said a timeline and cost for demolishing the main hospital building had not yet been determined.

The $12.83 million estimate is for the City Hall and public safety facility, not the total cost of the hospital redevelopment.

Asbestos work at the former hospital site was scheduled to wrap up by Sept. 30.