New Waterford City Hall complete

WATERFORD -- Waterford became a city 44 years ago. But it wasn’t until this month that City Hall had a permanent home.

City officials have spent the past week or so moving from the portable building that’s served as City Hall into the new digs at 101 E St.

They are planning a grand opening party to coincide with the City Council’s first “home” meeting Jan. 17 — members have met at the city’s community center.

The open house is planned from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17, with the City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Officials tout the new building, which has been in the works for many years, as being built without any debt.

Plans eventually call for a streetscape work and a plaza, and a new police station. For now, Waterford Police Services — provided through a contract with Stanislaus County — will move into the former City Hall.