The City Manager contacted CP&Associates in 2002 to conduct a master plan study of selected City municipal facilities.  CP&A's services included an assessment/evaluation of existing buildings; program development for current and future space needs; investigation of potential building sites and location options; preparation of planning and preliminary design options; preparation of a report for the City Commission's approval; and budget costs for a new capital improvements plan to be put before the voters in a public election.

The City facilities and departments included historic City Hall housing administrative offices and the Municipal Court; a volunteer Fire Department that stored vehicles in City Hall; the Police Department located in an addition to City Hall but in very poor condition; a historic Public Library with a later addition; a historic Cultural Center with only basement use including the City Commission meeting room.

CP&A identified four (4) options, which included different combinations and locations for the City facilities and departments.  With City Commission comments, CP&A assisted the City with graphic documents, descriptions and budget costs for each option, which are to be funded by City sales tax revenues.  In two subsequent public elections (2006, 2007), Paola voters approved the capital improvements plan in its entirety.  A new Police facility was the first capital improvements project to be built and ready for occupancy in January 2009.