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Commissioners prioritize sobering/stabilization center in regional GSI legislative request; aim for early-December bond pricing
Summary
Board members agreed to include funding for the sobering/stabilization center on the 2025 GSI regional legislative agenda, retain two prior regional capital items, and staff outlined a target to price a county bond issue in early December while maintaining flexibility around SHREC participation and rating-agency timing.
Spokane County commissioners and staff discussed the county's 2025 regional GSI legislative agenda and an upcoming bond issue on Oct. 7, and converged on prioritizing funding for the sobering/stabilization center.
Jeff and other staff outlined candidate items for the county's regional legislative (GSI) packet, including the Northeast PDA Wellesley mixed-use project (previously requested) and a Spokane Airport/Spotted Road safety realignment. After discussion, commissioners signaled support for keeping at least two longstanding items in the packet and replacing an earlier performing-arts request with a focused request for the sobering/stabilization center — potentially tailored to furniture, fixtures and equipment to differentiate from prior capital asks.
Staff said the county had been in line for a $3 million federal award that may not materialize and that the state opioid-funding account had historically been referenced as a source for similar projects; commissioners expressed interest in asking the state again and tying the request to documented program outcomes.
On county capital borrowing, staff and the county's financing advisors discussed moving forward with a bond issue to fund campus improvements including a $35 million executed contract for campus work (bids/contract already in place), potential Monroe Court building upgrades (~$3.3 million), and other capital items such as HVAC replacement at SCRAPS. Commissioners agreed to aim for an early-December pricing date but directed staff to remain flexible because rating-agency timing and market rates could change; staff said closing typically follows pricing by one to two weeks.
Commissioners also discussed whether to proceed with a joint sale using SHREC; staff said the county could proceed on its own timetable and revisit shared financing with SHREC if and when SHREC member agencies reach agreement. Commissioners emphasized not delaying county projects if SHREC timelines remain uncertain.
Ending: Staff will prepare legislative materials with the sobering/stabilization center included, ready bond-authorizing documents with a not-to-exceed principal amount for board consideration, and continue to coordinate with rating agencies to set a pricing date that balances timing and interest-rate risk.
