Seabrook officials outline two police station sites, $15–$18 million cost range and February decision timeline

City officials laid out options for a proposed new Seabrook police station at a public town-hall presentation, describing two potential sites, cost estimates and a timeline that would put construction in 2027 if voters approve a bond.

Gail (city staff presentation lead) told attendees the council will consider whether to call an election on Feb. 4 to place the bond questions before voters, and said staff sought public input before that meeting. "The first 1 is the new police station, and 2 potential sites that we'll look at tonight," she said.

The presentation identified Site 1 as a city-owned parcel off Lakeside near the lighthouse daycare; staff said that parcel lies in a flood zone and carries a commercial overlay. Site 2 was described as the corner of East Meyer and Highway 146, adjacent to the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department; staff said that parcel is currently not owned by the city and sits in Zone X, outside the regulatory floodplain, but that some stormwater detention on that site would be required.

Chief Rolf Nelson described operational problems inside the existing facility. "The pictures up on the screen depict what is our evidence room. It's very full," he said, and added the facility's jail design and staff spaces do not meet modern standards. "Our jail, when it was designed it was probably a very good design plan. However, industry standards have changed. There's a number of things that are in our current facility that do not comport with modern jail cells. The doors opening inward is 1 of those things and that's a pretty significant safety issue for those incarcerated." Nelson also said dispatch has only two consoles and that limited locker, restroom and shower space constrains the department's operations.

City staff provided a project cost range of $15 million to $18 million. Gail and project staff said the building itself is currently programmed at just under $12 million; the higher figure reflects land purchase costs (staff estimated about $3 million for Site 2) and additional drainage work. Staff outlined a schedule that would place a bond call in February, bond sale and closing later in 2025 if approved, a 9–10 month design period, and construction into 2027.

Director of Finance Mike Gibbs described the potential tax impact in broad terms. He said the low-end proposition for the pool (discussed at the same meeting) would raise the property tax rate by "just over" 0.01 (about $33 a year on a $300,000 home), and that an $18 million debt issue would raise the rate by "just over" 0.05 (about $114 a year on a $300,000 home); those figures were presented as staff estimates.

Residents at the session expressed mixed views. Some urged quicker action because the existing station sits in a flood zone and limits the city's emergency response options during a surge event; others said they oppose the timing or objected to placing a public safety facility on a prime commercial tract near Highway 146 because it would remove taxable commercial land and could restrict future fire department expansion. Emergency-management practitioners at the meeting emphasized integrated dispatch needs for police, fire and EMS in major incidents.

City staff and the chief encouraged tours of the current facility and said staff will collect written and online feedback ahead of the Feb. 4 council agenda. No formal vote or decision was taken at the town hall; staff said the town hall was informational only and that the council will deliberate the matter on Feb. 4.

Ending: Staff made reference materials and staff available after the presentation and invited residents to view display stations, take tours of the police station and submit feedback online or on paper before council consideration on Feb. 4.