After more than one year of formal discussions, questions and negotiations, the City of Brookhaven made plans to relocate its offices to a new property downtown. 

Space, centrality and accessibility were all considerations that leaders said would benefit both the City and the County.

“The move will free up space for Lincoln County to consolidate its services under one roof and accommodate any necessary expansions, while also providing additional space needed by the City,” Mayor Joe Cox said. “Relocating City Hall will offer improved accessibility, enhanced efficiency, a more spacious (and) functional facility, and ensure the City is well-prepared to meet Brookhaven’s future needs.”

The decision was formally approved in a 4-2 vote in December 2024 to relocate to a newly remodeled and upgraded facility on West Chickasaw Street. 

“Due to the forward-thinking vision demonstrated by a majority vote of Brookhaven’s Board of Aldermen, coupled with the sound fiscal state of the City, the relocation of City Hall and purchase of the 101 West Chickasaw Street property was approved in 2024,” the mayor said. “These carefully-weighed and well-reasoned decisions in favor of relocation will not result in an increased city tax rate, nor will they require the issuance or bonds, or financing.”

The purchase price of the building is $3,205,000, plus $220,000 for furnishings. It will be paid with $2,745,000 from the County, and the remainder from the city’s budget. The funds from the County represent equity from the City’s sale of its 20 percent ownership in the Government Complex. The Complex, where both County and City offices are currently located, is primarily owned by Lincoln County. In keeping with the 1980 Lincoln County/Brookhaven interlocal agreement, the County will buy out the City’s portion and the funds will be used to provide a new building for City Hall.

The agreement

In 1980, Lincoln County and the City of Brookhaven entered into a joint interlocal agreement regarding the ownership of the governmental complex. At that time, the city contributed $234,185 toward its share of the building cost. Since then, the city’s initial investment has grown to a total of $2,745,000.

Since 2023, the City and County have engaged in discussions regarding the consolidation of the county’s departments under one roof and the city’s necessity for additional space — all aimed at enhancing future service provisions for each.

Both entities consulted the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the AG agreed that the governments could proceed as planned. Two independent appraisals of the new property were also conducted, taking into account the property’s current condition as well as its projected value upon completion of the new facilities — based on detailed plans from the seller. Both appraisals exceeded the $3.2 million purchase price. 

The city reviewed several property sites as part of its relocation consideration. The State Department of Audit reviewed the final lease-purchase contract prior to the City’s vote on it, as well.

“The County was scheduled to incur significant heating and cooling costs in January 2025, a portion of which the city would also share, and was considering renovating an adjacent building to meet its growing needs. This made the timing of the city’s relocation decision a critical factor and of the essence for both boards,” Cox said. “Payment to the City, combined with on-hand funds, will allow a new City Hall to be in place by December 2025.”