Sheriff’s office rebuild, radio coverage and site politics surface in CIP debate

A proposed modern sheriff’s facility surfaced as a high‑priority and high‑cost item in the draft CIP. Commissioners and staff discussed a roughly $15 million planning estimate that would include evidence storage, vehicle bays, training/conference space and an emergency operations capability; staff said few grant sources are likely to cover most of that cost.

Sheriff Bowles, speaking during the session, favored keeping the sheriff’s primary facility in south Morrow County and warned that relocating to a lower‑elevation site could require new radio antenna infrastructure, adding significant cost. “If we move the building down to a lower location, then there's going to have to be a cell tower with the radio antennas and all that kind of stuff,” he said and asked staff to consult a radio engineer about options.

Commissioners weighed alternatives including a feasibility study to check sites (Lexington, Hepner area and the green area near the existing complex), the political acceptability of moving the facility, and reuse or demolition of existing sheriff parcels (possible conversion to park or library uses). Several commissioners suggested pursuing lease partnerships (for example, with Good Shepherd) or phased approaches to lower initial county outlay.

On financing, staff outlined that voter‑approved bonds tend to pass more readily for public safety projects but warned against general‑obligation borrowing that pledges broad county revenue without a secured repayment stream. Commissioners discussed whether SIP/CRES receipts could be contractually dedicated or used as a repayment source to improve borrowing terms; staff said contractual dedication in funding agreements could help but would require legal/financial structuring.

Next steps: commissioners asked for a feasibility study and cost/ site analysis for the sheriff’s facility, to be folded into the narrowed CIP and considered alongside other priorities.