Commission delays 15‑year lease for East Probation and Revenue offices to study purchase and alternatives

Montgomery County commissioners agreed to delay action on a proposed 15‑year lease for the county’s East Probation and Revenue offices to allow staff time to explore alternative sites or a purchase.

Speaker 5 (Clerk/Administrator) presented terms in the packet for a lease with Oliver Creek Holdings described as a 15‑year agreement at "$8 per square foot," with the packet listing monthly rent at $21,000 and an annual figure of $250,000; staff noted the county would fund renovations and be reimbursed $900,000 by the landowner when renovations are complete. The lease would house revenue functions, election equipment, and testing operations at the proposed location.

Speaker 8 and other commissioners raised concerns about committing large sums to a long rental term for a facility the county does not own and urged staff to identify purchase options. Speaker 8 asked commissioners to "dual track" options so the commission could return with a yes/no recommendation in early January. Several commissioners said they preferred owning a facility when feasible.

After discussion, the chair (Speaker 1) instructed staff to delay the lease item, place an information session on December 16, and return to the commission at the first meeting in January with options. Speaker 5 confirmed items 8 and 9 will be carried over. No formal vote was recorded; the group expressed agreement to postpone final action so staff can convene architects and revenue staff and present alternatives.

Next steps: staff to contact Revenue leadership and the county architect, produce a menu of sites and cost options, and report back at the December 16 information session.