The City of Wellington, FL began the new year with the grand opening of its new eco-friendly municipal complex. City Hall  officially opened for business on Monday, January 3, 2011 with office hours from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday.

"City Hall is the capstone of our Town Center," said Paul Schofield, City Manager. "Together with the Amphitheater, the newly renovated pool and Scott's Place, it provides the gathering place that our community has been without for so long."

The 54,000 square foot building brings several operations into one location, including utility payments, permitting, Parks & Recreation registration, the office of the City Manager, Administration and Board and Council meetings. The building will also house offices for Wellington's Council.

Wellington initiated its Municipal Complex project in 2009 with a total budget of $15 million for the project, but competition within the building industry drove the building cost down to $10.5 million. And the savings don't end there. The new facility is in the process of becoming LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system which verifies that a building was designed and constructed - and will be maintained-using cost-saving and environmentally friendly strategies, including energy savings, water efficiency, and a reduction in greenhouse gases. Additionally, Wellington will save approximately $670,000 in rent, utilities, travel, maintenance and insurance costs.

"Wellington will be able to retire several old portable buildings it had been renting. Having a centralized facility will reduce travel costs for residents and staff alike and improve the efficiency of our operations," said Rick Greene, Capital Improvements Director.

For information about other Wellington programs, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.