NORWICH – For years, the City of Norwich has contemplated its options for converting the third floor of the fire house on East Main Street into city hall offices or keeping the current city hall building next door.

A special meeting of the common council has been scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday in order to gather information and feedback from the public.

City employees say that city hall, located in the old train depot building, is inefficient and would require many upgrades in order to accommodate both people and activities. In addition, the current building is in need of some repairs, many of which have been put off due to the possible move to the firehouse. According to City Department of Public Works Superintendent Carl Ivarson, a decision has to be made soon.

Roof repairs alone will cost in excess of $150,000 due to the fact that the sheathing underneath the roofing will have to be replaced, in addition to the roofing and cooper flashing. Earlier this year, Ivarson said there were other repairs that would be necessary if the city were to remain in the current location. “We’re looking at $200,000 to $300,000 to bring the building up to par,” he said.

Since the possible move has been on the table for some time, the city has obtained estimates for the cost of the renovations to the third floor of the fire house. The latest estimates are approximately two years old and list the cost at approximately $365,000. Different layouts and more cubicles as opposed to offices could potentially bring costs down.