Council approves land purchase and design contract to build new police substation and evidence facility

The Prescott City Council on Oct. 14 approved two linked actions to advance a new police substation and property-evidence facility: adoption of ordinance No. 2025-1906 to authorize City Contract No. 2025-100 (the purchase of approximately 7.483 acres from Yavapai County) and a separate professional-services contract, City Contract No. 2026-099, with Arrington Watkins Architects for design services. Both measures passed by 5-0.

Brian Sparks, the city’s real estate administrator, said the parcel is adjacent to the Yavapai County Criminal Justice Center along Prescott Lakes Parkway and that the city negotiated a joint appraisal and agreed a purchase price of $1,550,000. Sparks said the site will accommodate an estimated 20,000-plus-square-foot evidence-storage and support facility and leave room for future expansion; the city also secured a first right of refusal on remaining acreage.

Public Works staff sought and the council approved a $1,959,533 design contract with Arrington Watkins Architects. Tim Sherwood, Public Works, told the council the selection followed a qualifications-based procurement: six firms responded; three were interviewed and the review committee unanimously recommended Arrington Watkins.

Police leadership described operational needs for a larger, climate-controlled evidence-storage area and consolidated space for K-9, traffic safety, animal control and other units that the department says are currently dispersed across constrained downtown buildings. ‘‘We are really trying to be as diligent as we can in making sure that we are being as responsible as we can with this money,’’ the police chief said, noting the city’s plans to build a facility designed for long-term technological and storage needs.

Council members asked about site preparation risks, particularly geotechnical conditions. Mayor Pro Tem Cantelme and others urged the design team and capital projects staff to conduct geotechnical borings and other due diligence during the design/inspection period. Public commenters highlighted a typo in the appraisal referencing Phoenix and asked staff to ensure careful documentation during final closing.

Both the land acquisition and the design contract will be paid from the dedicated voter-approved sales tax (Proposition 478). Staff said the project team expects to use roughly five of the acres for initial construction and left the remainder for future expansion if needed.

Council approved an ordinance authorizing the purchase and then separately approved the design contract; follow-up steps include geotechnical testing, detailed design, and later construction procurement.