Advisory committee hears update on public safety building; feasibility study and grants expected to guide cost

Committee members discussed the Public Safety Building and an associated emergency operations center during the Sept. 9 meeting, where staff said a feasibility study is planned and a property search is underway.

Committee members were told prior analysis and impact-fee work established the project's need but that exact costs remain unknown because feasibility work will determine whether the city must buy land or can repurpose existing property. Staff noted that some properties considered for a new facility have asking prices in the multi-million-dollar range, which would materially increase the overall project cost.

Chiefs and staff have discussed locating an emergency operations center outside the flood zone and are considering grant funding to help pay for the EOC; city staff said grant applications are anticipated but awards are not guaranteed. "They are looking for grant funds for this project as well," a staff speaker said.

Staff told the committee they have identified about half a dozen potential properties for a new public safety site and that any decision on construction funding will follow the feasibility study and site selection. The committee did not authorize construction funding at the meeting; members stressed the priority of the project but noted cost uncertainty until the study and property options are complete.