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Commissioners approve nonbinding letter of intent for MSU Extension to relocate offsite; board asks for cost specifics
Summary
The board approved a nonbinding letter of intent to allow Michigan State University Extension to pursue a sublease (412 Webster/Ida Tompkins building) for office and teaching space after the extension must vacate county‑provided space by Dec. 31, 2026; commissioners asked for more detailed cost and lease terms before final approval of a binding lease.
The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a nonbinding letter of intent that would allow Michigan State University Extension to negotiate a lease for new office space across the street from the government center.
Jennifer Burkey, District 3 director for Michigan State University Extension, told the board MSU Extension must vacate its current county‑provided space by Dec. 31, 2026, and presented options the department vetted. Burkey said the extension’s preferred option is a sublease at 412 Webster (the former TCAPS administration building, sometimes referred to as 'Ida Tompkins'), which she described as the most cost‑effective and appropriately configured location for staff, teaching space and public access. Burkey said the team’s 3‑year cost comparisons showed the former TCAPS site at roughly $78,650 per year when rent, proportional association fees and taxes are included.
Commissioners pressed staff for detail. Commissioner Andrews asked for specificity about the association‑fee and tax pass‑throughs that inflate the annual estimate; he asked for fixed numbers to be included in the letter of intent so the county can understand its exposure. Administration said the LOI is nonbinding, that detailed lease terms will be negotiated and that the county has a new revenue stream coming when the city begins paying $105,000 a year tied to the law‑enforcement center lease once MSUE vacates the current space.
Commissioner Walter said he appreciated the work to find cost‑effective relocation options and asked administration to confirm IT, termination and timeline protections. Administration said the recommended LOI includes a termination‑for‑convenience option and that detailed lease terms will come back to the board for approval.
On a recorded roll call, the board approved the letter of intent. Recorded votes (as read) were: Morris — Yes; Vince — Yes; Walter — Yes; Andrews — No; Henschel — Yes; Seaford — Yes.
Administration will negotiate a formal lease if the LOI proceeds, and the county asked MSU Extension to provide the spreadsheet of detailed cost estimates and to include clearer fixed figures in subsequent documents. Commissioners requested written backup on the $900,000 renovation estimate for the county basement option and asked staff to provide any updated bids before further action.
The LOI approval is nonbinding; any definitive lease will return to the board for formal approval.
