On Friday, November 7, Burlington’s Finance and Purchasing departments relocated to their new home at 244 West Davis Street. The former First Union bank building will now host these departments along with Human Resources and the Occupational Health Division in the coming months. Beginning on Monday, November 17, the City will take advantage of the features of this building and offer drive-thru payment service for utility bills and tax bills from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. A night depository is also available at this location for after-hours payments.
Initially constructed for commercial use, the City was able to save thousands of dollars by utilizing the City’s Building Maintenance Division to carry out much of the building’s improvements. Already equipped with a drive-up payment window, this feature will provide citizens, especially those with mobility concerns, easier access for payments. Customer Service support for new utility accounts, licenses, fines, and parking rentals will only be offered at the Municipal Building on 425 S. Lexington Avenue. Payments for any and all services may still be made at the Municipal Building.
From Burlington’s population of 35,000 in 1968 to nearly 50,000 in 2008, the Burlington Municipal Building has housed virtually all the City’s departments for over 40-years. Originally designed for a 3rd floor expansion, City staff considered this option and several other alternatives for adding additional workspace. When the cost for these options was projected to be in the millions of dollars, the City explored other options leading to the purchase of the former First Union building. City staff hopes to have second floor renovations completed sometime in December. That will become the new home for the Human Resources Department and Occupational Health Division.