Vicksburg dedicates new municipal building

A years-long journey for Vicksburg officials was celebrated Monday, when a dedication and ceremonial ribbon cutting acknowledged the village’s new municipal building.

The 25-minute program featured a number of dignitaries who commended village officials for using cash on hand to cover the $2.7 million it took to construct the 7,800-square-foot building.

Village Manager Jim Mallery called the event “a historical day in the village of Vicksburg.”

While village staff moved into the building in late December and the first council meeting was held Jan. 29, Mallery has said previously the grand opening would occur when landscaping and all other aspects of the building were in place.

A parade of elected officials followed. The lineup started with Kalamazoo County Commissioner Wendy Mazer. She was followed by Peter Dickow, a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. Next up were State Sen. Sean McCann, State Rep. Matt Hall and Vicksburg Village Council President Tim Frisbie. Construction manager Mike Frederick also addressed the crowd.

Mallery has said the fact the village did not take out a loan to finance construction will save Vicksburg taxpayers $1.5 million in interest.