Sheriff asked about using Ross building for secure storage; commissioners defer final decision

The sheriff requested use of a standalone metal building on county property (referred to as the Ross building) to store seized equipment and department materials; county commissioners discussed security and logistics but did not make a decision.

Staff described the building as roughly 80–100 feet long by about 30–40 feet deep with a handful of batteries currently inside and said the building’s doors could be secured. The sheriff’s current storage was described as a concrete block area about 25 by 25 feet with an overhead door; commissioners and staff noted the need to ensure only authorized personnel have access and to address previous concerns from courts and the state’s attorney about unsecured items on county property.

Discussion included options to split the building with a wall if the sheriff needs only part of the space, or to defer allocation until a security plan and clearer needs assessment are completed. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized that security improvements would be required before a transfer of space and that it was premature to grant the entire building at this time.

No formal motion or vote on allocating the Ross building was recorded in the posted transcript; staff said they would relay commissioners’ guidance to the sheriff and continue discussions.