Jefferson County Human Services asked commissioners to approve entering a five‑year intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Lakewood that would allow the county to use five facilities at no cost to operate additional Head Start classrooms funded by a federal grant.

Staff said the IGA covers three locations (five addresses), including a property known as Patterson Cottages (three cottage addresses on one lot). The draft IGA would run through July 31, 2030, unless terminated earlier; staff said the county and city would share routine and ongoing maintenance costs, estimated at about $30,000 annually. The county would be responsible for costs of cosmetic changes and furniture; the city would be responsible for landscaping, major mechanical and preventive maintenance and utilities. The city also would maintain burglar and fire alarm systems; the county would reimburse the city for those costs. Internet and telephone services would be installed and paid for by the county.

Staff said Lakewood’s contribution — through use of the leased facilities — would count as about $273,592 annually toward the county’s grant match requirement. Presenters asked the board to approve the IGA in final form as approved by the county attorney; staff noted the city attorney was finalizing outstanding edits and staff expected to return with a final document for the board to consider at the next meeting. Commissioners indicated support and staff confirmed they remain on track to open expanded classrooms on Oct. 21.