Commissioners approve lease for sheriff’s investigative offices despite questions about costs; vote 4–1

Brunswick County commissioners approved a lease to secure additional office space for the sheriff’s investigative division, voting 4–1 after extended questioning about space sizing, utilities, insurance, and ongoing costs.

Mister Emery, the presenter, said the leased space would provide roughly 2,800 square feet to accommodate up to 17 staff and that the first‑year rent of $24,000 would come from federal drug seizure funds. "We shopped around, and it's significantly less than anything else we could find," Emery said.

Several commissioners pressed for details. One commissioner asked for clarity on square footage, why a 4,300‑square‑foot floorplan showed but only 2,800 sq ft was identified for lease, and whether utilities, internet, insurance and janitorial would be covered. Emery and staff replied that utilities and internet would be included and that the county’s insurance would be extended to the premises; one commissioner said those commitments should be documented in the contract.

A commissioner asked to defer action until staff provided a more complete cost estimate (insurance, telephones, internet, furniture, janitorial). "I still say that you need to come back with more information," the commissioner said. The board debated but ultimately voted to approve the lease; the meeting record shows the motion carried 4–1.

What’s next: Staff will finalize contract details and incorporate assurances discussed (insurance, utilities, internet) and report back as requested.

Note: The lease was initially funded from federal drug seizure funds for the first year; staff said subsequent years would be considered through the formal budget process.