HASTINGS, Neb. — Employees working at city hall in Hastings will soon be on the move. 

The decision to relocate city staff members follows a mold study that found levels of mold in the air that exceed the acceptable limit for general occupancy. City Administrator Shawn Metcalf says removing staff from the building is the right thing to do. 

“In my mind that’s not acceptable at all. Employees at city hall shouldn’t have to feel like they have to question if they have to take allergy pills to be working here," Metcalf said. "That shouldn’t be criteria of their job. No one should be in those conditions.”

The report describes colonies of mold in the building’s ductwork. It’s non-toxic, but could cause hay-fever-like symptoms, sinus infections and eye illnesses. When he first moved a few months ago, employees told Metcalf of health issues. He says he’s noticed a difference since starting as administrator.

“I have experienced those symptoms that were talked about in the report," Metcalf said. "I’ve been sick with those symptoms since I’ve been here.”

The city council discussed the mold issue for 40 minutes Monday night, largely focusing on how the issue was allowed to get so extreme. Councilman Marc Rowan said some people think the city is intentionally letting the building go bad.

“That frustrates me to hear that. I’ve never heard of any employees talking about things like that," Metcalf said. "I certainly have no motives other than to do what’s right for employees and residents here.”

Metcalf says around half of the 20-25 employees at city hall can move to the city’s building on Yost Ave. He wants to lease space for the remaining staff.  Ideally, workers would be moved out within a couple months.

A contractor is scheduled to clean the ductwork this month, then staff will consider replacing asbestos, removing mold from the inside of walls and replacing carpet.

“That’s why I think it’s important that we get out of here. Then, it’s so much easier to deal with it,” Metcalf said.

The mold issue is just the most pressing among a host of issues involving city hall. It’s up to the city council to decide on the future of the building. Metcalf hopes the decision comes within the next few months.