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Oakland County approves purchase of West Hamlin building for sheriff’s training center, authorizes up to $10.5M
Summary
The finance committee authorized acquisition and upgrades for a 1996 building at 3255 West Hamlin Road to serve as a county training facility for the sheriff’s office. The resolution authorizes up to $10.5 million (including purchase and renovations); funding sources include strategic investment funds, capital improvement bonds and future sheriff’s budget allocations.
Oakland County commissioners authorized the purchase of a building at 3255 West Hamlin Road to become the county’s centralized law‑enforcement training facility, approving an authorization not to exceed $10.5 million to cover acquisition and necessary upgrades.
Facilities staff told the committee the packet lists a purchase price in the $8.8–$9.1 million range and that the larger $10.5 million figure in the authorization covers renovations, site improvements and county facility standards. Facilities staff said the building was constructed in 1996 and includes on‑site parking and space suitable for daily training activities.
Under Sheriff Willis, who spoke for the sheriff’s office, described the Brandon facility as a useful stopgap but said a centrally located, county‑owned training center will better serve the many local police agencies that train with the sheriff’s office. "This facility is used every single day," he said, noting regular, multi‑agency training and the county’s accreditation responsibilities.
Commissioners asked about alternative options, stewardship of existing county campus space, and how the purchase will be funded. Staff said the acquisition would be initially paid from the county’s strategic investment plan and capital improvement bond proceeds; long‑term debt service and operating costs would be incorporated in the sheriff’s budget while eliminating some current lease payments.
The committee approved the purchase and authorization by roll call (6–0). Staff said final site due diligence and inspections were underway and that procurement and construction managers will be engaged for renovation work.
