A renovation project is planned next year at the Jackson Township Municipal Building. Plans include expanding the building to double its current size and moving the police department into the building.

JACKSON TWP — The township supervisors are looking to the future as they plan for renovations to the municipal building and update the township growth plan.

Jay Grinnell, chairman of the township supervisors, said the proposed building expansion and renovation project will nearly double the size of the facility, which is 6,000 square feet, including the garage.

Bids for the project have been advertised and will be opened this week.

Grinnell did not have an estimate on the cost of the project, which is slated to be done in the spring.

“The building was built back in the 1980s. There are parts that are rusting and the roof leaks,” said Grinnell, explaining the need for the renovations.

The expansion will include moving the police department into the new addition of the building.

“We’re reorganizing the interior to make it more efficient,” he said.

The police department rents a small building on Route 19. That property is up for sale, said Grinnell.

Supervisor Ron Lutz said with the police department’s office up for sale, it is not a matter of if, but when, the department loses that space.

He added that he does not like renting because “you end up with nothing.”

Lutz said it will be better when the police move into the township building.

“Right now, we’re kind of like two separate entities,” he said, adding the project will foster better communication between the supervisors and the department.

Grinnell said, “This project is something that has been talked about for years, but never done. We’re now putting it into action.”

With the proposed building improvements, the township administration, the road department and the police department all will be under one roof.

In addition to updating its municipal building, the township will update its long-range plan.

The township describes the plan as a policy statement covering housing, economic development, transportation and other similar issues and as the business plan for the township.

Grinnell said the township is putting together a committee to help guide the plan. He hopes that the plan can be ready for review in the spring.

Lutz said the current comprehensive plan was, “if you read between the lines,” put in place to stop growth. He believes changes are needed to help foster growth.

“If you don’t have growth, then you have to raise taxes,” he said. “Growth is bad is a false idea.”

The township is seeking volunteers to be on the new committee. People interested in serving can call the township office at 724-452-5581.