Riley County approves $3.1 million remodel of former EMS station for Emergency Management

Riley County commissioners on Sept. 22 approved a $3.1 million budget and a contract amendment to remodel the former EMS station to house Emergency Management and related functions.

John Ellerman, Riley County public works director, told commissioners the total project budget is $3,102,008.52, which includes construction, furniture, equipment and technology. Ellerman said the construction contract with BHS for the remodel work is approximately $2.8 million and that the project includes a roughly 4% contingency for overruns and final accounting.

Ellerman said designs are finished and city reviews are underway; the project scope includes kitchenette/break room fixtures, furniture, permit coordination and technology outfitting. He said any remaining contractor submittals—signage and final materials—will be reviewed by the architect and county staff before installation. "What we're asking for today is to approve the budget to continue on this, the remodel," he said.

A motion to approve the project budget and to sign the contract amendment with BHS carried unanimously.

County staff said the contract amendment covers the construction portion of the remodel and other project costs will be procured and managed by public works (furniture, fixtures, equipment, technology). Ellerman said the county expects to begin remodel work once the contract is finalized and permits are issued.

Commissioners did not specify an exact construction start date during the meeting; staff said submittals and permit processes would determine the launch timetable and that any remaining administrative steps would be brought to the commission as needed.