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Commission authorizes up to $55,000 for FF&E to relocate state’s attorney staff into former public defender space
Summary
Pennington County approved spending up to $55,000 from bond funds for furniture, fixtures and equipment to move about 13 state’s attorney staff into the former public defender office space; county and state’s attorney described space, confidentiality needs and furniture counts.
The Pennington County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 18 to authorize Buildings and Grounds to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) needed for a temporary relocation of the State’s Attorney’s Office into the former public defender suite, using available bond funds in an amount not to exceed $55,000.
Director of Buildings and Grounds Davis Purcell told commissioners the move would temporarily relocate roughly 13 staff members into space vacated by the public defenders and presented desk options and cost estimates. Purcell said 12 offices would receive L-shaped desks priced at $3,109 each and one office a U-shaped desk priced at $4,053, for a desks subtotal of about $41,368; the requested not-to-exceed amount of $55,000 allows for installations and other FF&E items such as conference-room tables and shelving.
State’s Attorney Laura Retzold described the operational need for private offices, saying victim advocates and diversion staff currently work in cubicles where confidential phone calls occur in public workspace. “This would allow us to … have those telephone communications in a confidential space, which I really think will immediately elevate the delivery of client services for those victims,” Retzold said. She told commissioners the county Buildings and Grounds staff have worked to create space for the office over several years and that the furniture would be reused later by other county departments if the state’s attorney’s office moves again.
Commission discussion focused on program counts, budgeting and longer-term space planning ahead of the 2026 budget process; Commissioner Hetka asked for a written program summary and annual report to help the board assess space and program needs. Commissioners voted to approve the purchase and directed Buildings and Grounds to proceed efficiently.
Funding and logistics: Purcell said $1,000,000 is already set aside in the county’s accumulated building fund for the courthouse tunnel project (separate item) but that the $55,000 FF&E request would be covered through available bond funds as requested. Purcell said Buildings and Grounds may install desks or arrange contractor installation if needed.
Next steps: Buildings and Grounds to purchase and install FF&E within the not-to-exceed limit and report back on procurement and installation.
