County staff warns $1.3M of appropriated funds tied to purchased parcel; moving site would strain construction budget

County staff and committee members focused on the project's budgetary constraints during the meeting. Staff said the county received two appropriations totaling roughly $12 million so far and that approximately $1,300,000 of the grant money had already been spent to acquire the current 35.18‑acre parcel. "We either have to use that property or figure out how do we pay that $1,300,000 back," staff said, emphasizing state accountability for the appropriation.

Members asked whether moving the site would endanger the larger construction budget. County staff warned that buying another parcel could siphon funds from architecture, engineering and construction, potentially forcing a smaller final building if additional acquisition costs are required. A public commenter urged fiscal stewardship: "It is a gift that we have received from the state," saying the county should not turn away the appropriation.

Committee members therefore amended their research motion to require staff to evaluate funding implications for any recommended alternate site, including whether parcels are for sale and what acquisition would cost.