City Manager Charles Leno updated the Pecos City Council on Jan. 9 about the new police station and joint Criminal Justice Center (CJC) projects, saying staff expects to issue a request for proposals for professional services in late winter once land and environmental studies are complete.

Leno said staff and the chief had discussed the project and that he expects an RFP for design and professional services in Q1, possibly February or March, after completion of a land study on an alternate parcel near the hospital. "The reason that it hasn't matured faster is I still don't have a piece of land," Leno said. He said one parcel near the hospital showed promise but that environmental testing and related work were underway.

Why it matters: The new facility is intended to consolidate police and criminal justice functions and provide a permanent location; locating the site near the hospital would provide space and convenience, Leno said.

Details and timeline: Leno said the hospital had identified a parcel that could be swapped with the city, subject to environmental reviews and approvals; he did not provide a final land-swap agreement or acquisition timetable. He said that, if environmental reviews return favorably, he would bring a land-swap request to council.

Council action: The item was an update; no formal council action or vote was recorded on acquisition or contracting during the meeting.