Sheriff's proposed storage building faces rising bids and Longview stormwater fees
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Summary
Cowlitz County staff told commissioners a proposed 60-by-100-foot sheriff's storage building planned at the fairgrounds has seen bids rise from earlier estimates and may incur $50,000 to $75,000 in City of Longview stormwater work; the sheriff will present Monday to discuss funding and possible size changes to avoid stormwater thresholds.
The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners was told the sheriff's plan to build a 60-by-100-foot storage building at the county fairgrounds has moved from early budget estimates into a range that may require new funding sources.
Sean (staff) told the board that initial planning pre-COVID set a lower budget, and subsequent bids earlier this year climbed from roughly $300,000 to more than $400,000. He added that the City of Longview's stormwater engineering estimate could add $50,000 to $75,000 to the cost. "The latest number we got from the city of Longview on stormwater is between 50 to $75,000," Sean said.
Why it matters: the project would centralize scattered evidence storage units, boats and trailers now leased or kept across multiple county-owned sites. Staff said the sheriff currently leases several storage units and stores equipment in multiple county buildings; centralizing would reduce leased space but increase upfront capital spending. Commissioners asked for specifics on current rent and the number of leased units; staff said the sheriff can provide those figures when they present Monday.
Staff also noted siting and permitting issues: the building would be on county-owned fairgrounds property within city limits, so it must meet Longview's engineering and stormwater standards. That has prompted the sheriff to consider a smaller structure that could fall below stormwater thresholds. "There's a discussion. They get a smaller building that goes below the stormwater threshold for the city of Longview," Sean said.
Missing details and next steps: staff said Monday's presentation by the sheriff will include updated bid numbers, a breakdown of current lease costs and discussion of internal reallocation options. Finance staff were informed and would likely attend. No formal action or vote was taken at the workshop; the item will return to the board once the sheriff and finance provide the requested details.