Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 911 Center Relocation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Health district offers 50‑year lease for new Trumbull County 911 center; commissioners weigh costs
Summary
The Trumbull County Board of Commissioners heard a formal proposal from the Trumbull County Combined Health District to lease second‑floor space at 194 West Main St for a relocated 911 center, with the health district offering to assume maintenance and utilities under a 50‑year term; commissioners said they remain divided over leasing versus owning and the roughly multimillion‑dollar cost estimate.
Frank Migliosi, Trumbull County health commissioner, told the Board of Commissioners that the health district submitted a formal proposal to house the county 911 center on the second floor of 194 West Main St and that, in the district's bid, "we would assume all responsibility of maintenance and utility costs" and the agreement would "allow 50 years of utilization."
The health district responded to the county's request for proposals after the commissioners decided to pursue leased space rather than buy outright. Migliosi said his organization's bid was judged by the 911 review board and consultant to be the best fit for storm rating and the equipment the county needs, and that the district would accept responsibility for maintenance in perpetuity if the lease were approved.
Commissioner Danny Malloy expressed support for the proposal while emphasizing long‑term cost advantages of a favorable lease: "I personally agree a 50‑year lease with you handling maintenance and utilities is a gift wrap to the county with a bow on it," he said.
But Commissioner Tony Bernard urged caution about committing large sums for a facility the county does not own. Bernard said earlier cost estimates for relocating and preparing a new facility had risen and warned against a premature decision: "I do have a problem in spending almost $6 million on a move on a building that the county doesn't own," he said, adding that he needs time to justify such a commitment in his own mind.
Throughout the exchange commissioners and staff noted alternatives remain on the table. Officials said consultants and the 911 review board have examined multiple buildings, including vacant retail properties (several Rite Aid locations were mentioned as possible options), and that the county would need to weigh the cost to modify a leased property (Migliosi estimated roughly $1.5 million to remodel the health‑district space) versus buying and renovating a building the county would own.
The board did not take a final vote on the 194 West Main Street proposal at the meeting. Commissioners said staff would continue to compare options and report back; Malloy said he would have staff and the facilities supervisor check the status of other vacant buildings so the county can compare "apples to apples" before deciding.
What happens next: Commissioners asked staff to continue evaluating alternative properties and to arrange a follow‑up meeting with the health district and the 911 review board to clarify terms and comparative cost estimates.
