Council questions future police headquarters planning as Oracle lease nears end; mall satellite office to be rent‑free
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Summary
Police officials told the council there is no FY26 planning money for a central police headquarters but that discussions continue. The department currently leases the Oracle Building (about 29,500 sq ft) and has five years remaining on that lease. Meanwhile the county will host a rent‑free satellite office and permanent beat at the downtown mall.
Howard County police told the council they have no planning funds in the FY2026 capital budget to build a central police headquarters but are continuing internal discussions on future options.
Council members asked several times about prior planning efforts and the size of a possible central station. Police leaders said they previously paid for architectural plans and a pre‑design but did not have the figures at the work session; staff agreed to provide the previous square‑footage estimates and planning‑cost breakdown for the council.
At the session, the county’s corporate lease for the police central office — the Oracle Building — was identified as roughly 29,500 gross square feet and council members said there are about five years remaining on that lease. Police said many staff are field‑based and that specialty vehicles are parked at multiple county lots; the department said a central headquarters would be larger than current leased offices but that planning must await clearer priorities and fiscal conditions.
Separately, police described a new downtown satellite presence in partnership with the mall. Mall management will provide space rent‑free for a permanent mall beat and a small satellite office the department will staff; the county expects low capital costs because mall management will provide the space and DTCS is expected to deliver computer/network infrastructure. Police said the office will not be a 24/7 staffed station but will support a permanent assigned beat and Community Liaison Officers (CLOs). Councilmembers welcomed the low‑cost arrangement and called it a boost to downtown public safety and economic vitality.
Why it matters: Oracle lease obligations and the future location of a central district headquarters affect long‑term facility costs, fleet parking and where officers operate. The mall satellite office is a near‑term community‑facing step to increase downtown presence without a major capital expense.
What’s next: Police and facilities staff agreed to provide the council with prior plans’ square footage and costs, Oracle lease details and follow‑up information on parking needs and planning status. No formal capital appropriation or decision was made at the work session.
