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County staff outline $1M+ dispatch remodel needs as supervisors weigh space options
Summary
Staff told supervisors dispatch needs could require $1 million–$1.5 million for remodels and expensive workstation and electronics relocations, prompting discussion of grants, planning studies and reviving a campus‑plan group to coordinate long‑term space solutions.
County facilities staff and supervisors discussed significant space constraints for public safety and 911 dispatch. Staff said the dispatch operation currently has six stations and requested increasing capacity to 10 seats; they estimated a remodel might cost roughly $1 million to $1.5 million once workstations, HVAC upgrades and electronics relocation are included.
Staff emphasized that much of dispatch’s core electronics infrastructure and data room are currently adjacent to the dispatch area and that moving the equipment would markedly increase costs. For example, staff described high per‑workstation equipment costs—“workstations are, you know, between 30 and 50,000 dollars each”—and noted HVAC and egress considerations for a 24/7 operation. Supervisors discussed short‑term relocation options (repurposing underused rooms) and longer‑term strategies such as planning grants to fund feasibility studies and an implementation grant thereafter.
Multiple supervisors urged the county to restart a campus‑plan working group to coordinate relocations and avoid repeated, expensive moves. Staff said some projects (especially those involving 1138 or contaminated properties) could take years and that grant funding would be critical for execution. No final capital appropriation was approved; the committee directed staff to pursue feasibility planning, investigate grant timing and return with options and cost estimates.
