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Board approves Lifeways lease for 25 Care Drive after heated debate over term and court renovation timing
Summary
The board approved a lease with Lifeways for 25 Care Drive after removing multi‑renewal options; commissioners debated how the lease term intersects with planned district court renovations and an estimated $4 million construction cost, and an amendment to shorten the lease failed.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a lease agreement with Lifeways for the county-owned property at 25 Care Drive after amending the draft to remove multi‑renewal options.
Commissioners spent substantial time debating whether the lease term would conflict with the county’s plans to relocate and renovate district court facilities. County facilities staff and the county architect estimated the renovation of the district court-ready facility would take about a year and could cost in the range of several million dollars; one staff estimate referenced a conceptual figure near $4,000,000.
"If we approve the addendum and decline either option A or option B... we get into 2027 or later," a county official explained while outlining how alternative options and mobilization costs would affect the county’s obligations. Commissioners pressed staff on timing and the county’s ability to secure adequate renovation funding.
Board members also debated short-term amendments to align Lifeways’ move-out and the court’s mobilization: an amendment to cut the lease term so it would end April 30, 2027, failed on roll call. The board then approved the lease as amended (which removed extension language) by a 3–2 roll-call vote.
Supporters said the amended lease preserves county revenue and gives the county a known tenant while it finalizes court relocation plans. Opponents warned the board could face a logistical gap between the new lease term and the timeline needed for district court renovation and prep.
Facilities staff said they will continue work with the architect and report back on preliminary renovation drawings and cost estimates. The board authorized facilities to continue planning and to provide updated cost and schedule information at follow-up meetings.
