Council approves lease and $1 purchase path for county property to expand alternative custody program

The Redding City Council approved a lease and purchase agreement with Shasta County for property at 7251 East Side Road to allow the sheriff's office to expand the county's alternative custody program and potentially build a new jail.

Under the 30-year lease, the county may obtain the property for $1 if it reaches specified milestones: approval of required environmental documentation, construction of a facility to run the alternative custody program, and operation of the program for at least one year. The agreement includes a 20-year right of first refusal in favor of the city in the event the county seeks to sell the property.

Staff noted outreach to the California Department of Housing and Community Development on an exempt surplus property resolution but said no comment had been received from HCD at the time of the meeting. Council members described the agreement as a collaborative step with the county to address public-safety facility needs and the alternative custody program; several speakers from the public praised the city-county cooperation.

The council adopted the lease and purchase agreement by roll call. The city manager and staff said they will continue to work with county officials on the environmental review and required milestones in the agreement.