Cayce’s 47-year-old city hall is outdated and worn out, a study says.

Those conclusions set the stage for city leaders to start looking at improvements or moving the community’s headquarters elsewhere.

“This helps us start figuring out what to do,” Mayor Elise Partin said. “It’s going to be a case of settling on what’s most effective and efficient.”

Going to a new home appears cheaper than trying to upgrade the complex of three buildings at 1800 12th St., the report by the architectural firm of Jumper Carter Sease said.

Remodeling the complex “is not the optimal solution,” the report commissioned by City Council says.

Doing that probably would cost more and be more disruptive than a new facility, it said.

Renovating the complex is estimated to cost $2.4 million, but that doesn’t include leasing temporary offices during remodeling likely to last as much as 18 months, it said.

New quarters would cost about the same, the study says, but that estimate doesn’t include buying a site.

The study recommends doubling the current space of the 8,880-square-foot complex for the 42 city employees who work there, the study said. City public safety officers and wastewater plant operators are in other quarters.

Shortcomings the study cites at the complex built in 1965 include:

• Jail cells, water heat closets and shower stalls used for storage.

• A leaky roof that seems to be spawning mold.

• Out-of-date insulation, plumbing, and ventilation that increase utility bills.

Haphazard wiring for computers and telephones

• A lack of sprinklers and smoke detectors for fire protection.

• Features like light switches, toilets and doorways are not handicapped-friendly.

The only thing the study liked about the complex is its well-maintained grounds adjoining a city park and museum.