Staff photo/ Bob Coupland Cortland Council President John Picuri, left, and Mayor Jim Bradley, lead a work session of city council Thursday as they discussed with representatives of Infinity Construction plans for a proposed $10 million safety complex to be added onto the current city administration building. Officials have discussed the need for a new fire department and a remodeled and expanded police department.

CORTLAND — Since 2024, Cortland officials have discussed the need for a safety service complex for the fire and police departments, and with federal funds to cover much of the costs, are moving forward.

Cortland councilmembers and Mayor Jim Bradley met at a work session Thursday with architects from Infinity Construction Co. of Warrensville Heights to discuss the planned project, which will be an addition to the current city administration building as well as some remodeling of the current building.

More than 10 people, including members of the fire and police departments, attended the meeting.

Council President John Picuri said the work session was to get everyone updated on the status of the proposed $10 million project.

He said grant funds are from the United States Department of Agriculture.

“This project is to give our department heads exactly what they need to be able to work in a safe environment. We want to have a clear direction for moving forward,” Bradley said. “We want this project to be something our residents can be proud of.”

He said the complex will provide a place for fire trucks and ambulances.

Bradley, who recently became mayor when Deidre Petrosky stepped down following a recall election on Feb. 3, said when he was on council, the project was discussed for several years.

“Right now it is time to move forward so we can get this project over the finish line,” Bradley said.

Eric Melkerson, an estimator for Infinity Construction, said the current city administration building off North High Street would undergo some changes and then have the safety complex attached to the building.

Different options were discussed, such as a new building or a new site for the complex, but officials decided it was best to add to the current administration building.

“This would be the most economical decision since we can use some of the existing infrastructure and driveways on the current site,” Melkerson said. “We will be able to have a building that is more efficient and be able to grow.”

He said the complex will have enhancements, which will include new council chambers, a new police training room, storm shelter, bunk room, conference rooms, classroom and meeting rooms. On the property will be new sidewalks.

Councilman Kevin Piros said there is space in the basement of the administration building which can also be utilized for storage or other purposes.

Bradley said the new fire station will be connected to the current administration building on the eastern side of the building.

“A new fire station is desperately needed. The residents supported a fire levy which will help us get the fire department a new home. From what we have discussed, we have a feel for what Cortland wants,” Bradley said.

Fire Chief David Rea said in the future, if local fire departments need to combine, this complex can be “the hub for the northeastern part of the town.”

He said the new fire department is needed and will house all of the fire staff.

“This is a project that really needs to be done,” Rea said. “I can’t see us not doing this project. We will have $6 million of other people’s money to get this done.”

Councilwoman Alli McGregor asked if the building could be added on to in 20 years.

Jim Fantozzi, vice president of Infinity Construction, said that would be possible because of the available space at the administration building.

Police Chief David Morris said while the police department will see more space with the remodeling done, he said there is a need for a metal garage building on the property to house police vehicles such as cruisers and a Jeep to protect them front the weather.

Fantozzi said architectural designs will be worked on for what council and safety officials want to see.

He said when the facility is under construction, a 12-month project, the police department staff will need to be relocated for four months.

Morris said he had no problem relocating somewhere else and suggested the current fire department.

Finance Director Patti Gibson said the city already has $2.1 million in funding from the USDA and is expecting $4.5 million more for the project.

Last fall, Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) announced $4.5 million in funding for the construction of the new safety service complex. This funding was secured through the Senate Amendment to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026.