Council approves feasibility study for joint public-safety facility; sheriff not yet committed

The Laramie City Council on July 15 authorized an agreement with IMEG Consultants Group Inc. for a public-safety facility needs analysis covering the City of Laramie Police Department, the Fire/EMS Services and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. Councilor Sean O'Doherty moved the agreement and Councilor Fried seconded; the motion passed 8-0 with one member absent. Police and city officials told the council the current police building dates to about 1980 (purchased by the city in 1998) and was originally designed for an engineering firm, creating inefficiencies. The sheriff’s office is housed in a 1932 courthouse basement that officials said is undersized for modern needs. Police officials and the city manager described potential capital and operating savings from a consolidated facility, estimating capital savings of roughly 15%–30% and operating/maintenance reductions of 20%–35% when agencies share space and services. City staff said the project was budgeted and that the RFP attracted four firms; IMEG was the chosen consultant. The council and city staff discussed county participation: the city invited the sheriff’s office to participate but the sheriff had not committed to funding at this point. City staff said the county had been engaged in initial conversations and would be provided study results; if the project exceeds the city’s budget capacity, staff would seek county contributions. City officials also noted the county’s recent revenue declines tied to state property-tax changes and that the county had already assessed its own space needs, which could be integrated into the consultant’s work. The study will produce a feasibility assessment, conceptual options, and cost estimates to inform future decisions; council did not approve design or construction funding at the July 15 meeting. City leaders said the study would be completed in time to inform capital planning conversations later this year.