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Garden City commissioners deny two temporary police facility proposals, direct staff to return with options
Summary
After lengthy debate about cost, site choice and whether a 10-year "temporary" site is effectively permanent, the commission voted to deny both vendor proposals and directed staff to return with further direction and a workshop to refine RFP scope and next steps.
Garden City commissioners on Dec. 3 debated whether to accept one of two proposals for a temporary home for the police department and ultimately voted to deny both and send staff back for additional direction. The question has driven concern about long-term costs, site selection and whether a “temporary” facility that could last a decade should instead be designed for longevity.
Staff presented two vendor proposals and an updated cost analysis, and identified a city-owned parcel on Jenny Barker Road as a potential site. The staff report said the parcel could reduce some utility extension costs and described financing options including temporary notes and general obligation bonds; staff estimated an illustrative $5,000,000 taxable note at 4% and showed scenarios for debt service and potential resale value.
Commissioners pressed staff on utilities and adaptability for future uses. One commissioner summarized the tension over length of stay: “Ten years is not temporary,” and several commissioners said that if a facility could last a decade it should be planned for long-term departmental growth. Staff responded that utilities were present in the general area and that siting choices would affect extension costs.
A motion to approve the Premier Homes proposal was made but did not receive sufficient support and was not adopted. Commissioner Cessna then moved to “deny both proposals and then provide further direction on how to proceed,” a motion seconded by Commissioner Unruh. The clerk announced the tally as “3 3 1 vote.” The motion directed staff to return with more detailed direction and to schedule a workshop to craft any revised procurement or RFP language.
Commissioners praised police leadership and staff for their work on the analysis and emphasized a need to balance timely action with prudence on a multi‑million‑dollar decision. The governing body also discussed continuing to negotiate with the county for temporary occupancy of existing facilities while the city refines its options.
Next steps: staff will return with further direction following the workshop and additional information on site options, the RFP scope and financing scenarios.
