After years spent working from scattered office sites, Monument city agencies are under one roof.

“Public works was four blocks away in Tuff sheds,” said Town Manager Cathy Green.

“The finance department rented an office down the street.”

The new two-story Monument Town Hall and Police Department opened in May. To celebrate, the town is throwing a grand-opening ceremony and open house today.

“Instead of walking down the block, now I walk down the hallway,” Green said. “It’s so much more efficient.”

The police operations center has undergone a transformation.

Formerly, two cramped office trailers served as headquarters.

“We had no holding cells,” said Police Chief Jacob Shirk. Interrogations and intoxication tests were conducted in private offices.

In its new location, the department has three interview rooms and two holding cells. The second floor serves as administrative offices and home base for detective and patrol operations for 15 officers and five staff members.

Planning for the Monument Town Hall was in the works for about three years. In 2005, residents voted to finance the project using one-tenth of their sales tax. Currently, the area’s population is just under 7,000 residents.

Construction began in June 2008 and was completed in May. The structure cost $3.2 million.

Visitors to today’s grand opening can take photos in the jailhouse.

“This is the only time you’ll be able to enter a holding cell unless you’re in handcuffs,” Shirk said.

Grand Opening

When: Saturday Where: 645 Beacon Lite Road, MonumentWhat: Ribbon cutting and police color guard’s flag-raising at 10 a.m. Tours, free hot dogs, balloons and face painting until 2 p.m.

In this Nov. 8, 2007, file photo, pop star Michael Jackson poses on the red carpet during the RainbowPUSH Coalition Los Angeles 10th annual awards in Los Angeles. Photo by AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, file

Danny Moloshok