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County outlines plan to relocate Lopez Island sheriff substation; seeks to accept surplus modular building
Summary
County staff and the sheriff reported they have identified a modular building being offered by Island County that could serve as an interim Lopez substation; staff described a preferred site, a timetable to meet the December 31 lease termination at the current station and next steps including neighborhood outreach and wiring and septic work.
San Juan County staff and the sheriff updated the County Council on plans to replace the county's Lopez Island sheriff substation after the Lopez Fire District notified the county in March that it would not renew the county's year‑to‑year lease beyond December 31.
Staff said they surveyed commercial and county properties and concluded a leased commercial space was not available in the central village that met operational needs. The team identified a site that staff describe as central to town with power, water and space for a modular trailer and concluded the site is a best fit pending neighbor outreach.
Sheriff's staff reported an alternative opportunity: Island County has two surplus modular units (26-by-38) previously used as substation offices; one remains in storage on Camano Island. Island County staff indicated they would transfer the unit to San Juan County at no purchase cost if San Juan County covers transport and site‑preparation costs. County facilities staff visited the modular building and described it as structurally sound with existing HVAC, plumbing and office layout; photos were shown to council. County staff estimated setup and retrofit (including a secure holding cell, IT wiring and a small secure property room) and transport could be scheduled to meet the December 31 deadline and suggested October as a realistic operational target.
Council members asked staff to work with neighbors and provide more detail on site alternatives; several emphasized careful outreach to nearby residents and advance notice. Facilities and sheriff's staff said they will coordinate surplus transfer paperwork with Island County and review surplus/transfer requirements and will return to the council with a more detailed budget and timeline. Staff noted the county may still need to purchase or rent a small secured property storage container (estimated $2,500–$3,000) and to retrofit the modular interior for policing needs. The sheriff's office said the modular building could serve longer‑term county needs on Lopez or be moved to another county facility if Lopez receives a permanent station later.
Ending: Council members expressed general support for pursuing the surplus modular unit as a cost‑savings option while directing staff to engage neighbors, return with a budget amendment proposal and to follow surplus/transfer procedures.
