Oxford commissioners press for new public‑safety campus; city manager eyes federal financing

Oxford commissioners renewed calls on Jan. 13 to advance a long‑planned public‑safety campus, saying the existing police station is in poor condition and that a combined police and fire campus is needed to maintain response capacities as the city grows.

Multiple commissioners described mold, asbestos concerns, compromised evidence storage and structural problems in the current police facility. “It’s horrific… go tour the police station,” one commissioner said, urging a plan that avoids repeated short‑term fixes.

City Manager Brent Taylor told the board staff have been researching financing options and that “there may be a federal program that could give us the best means to finance it,” but cautioned the program carries process requirements that must be followed to avoid disqualification. Taylor said he would meet with the program representative next week and that a design‑build procurement could shorten the schedule while complying with the funding rules.

Commissioners asked staff to also consider temporary relocation options for police operations during construction or repairs; staff said moving into trailers or a temporary facility was feasible but would require cost analysis and inspections to ensure suitability.

Next steps: staff will conclude their meeting with the funding program contact, return with recommended procurement and financing steps, and work to develop a site plan for public notification. The board asked the city to post clear signage at the chosen site and to work with chiefs and staff on final facility specifications.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the facility is necessary for staff safety, training space, response times and to preserve public safety service quality as Oxford grows.