Clark County cancels purchase agreement for proposed Public Safety Building site after community pushback

Clark County commissioners voted to cancel a purchase agreement with Allen Armstrong for a proposed Public Safety Building site, citing public feedback and concerns about affordability and siting. Commissioners emphasized they will continue searching for alternative properties but said the route remains available if no better option is found.

Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse said the Board "has never stopped looking elsewhere" and that survey results and community "heartburn" over placing a facility at the State Route 72 location led the Board to terminate the agreement for now. Commissioner Charles A. Patterson said cancelling the agreement was based on monetary considerations and asserted the site "is not off of the table," noting the county will resume talks with the landowner if no affordable alternative is found. Chief Mark Lane told the Board that the Sheriff's Office has examined roughly 30 possible locations and that the search continues because "the current jail is crumbling down piece by piece."

The Board passed an add-on resolution to cancel the Allen Armstrong purchase agreement effective April 8, 2026 and authorized the County Administrator to execute termination documents. The commissioners said they plan additional public work sessions after they are under contract on any new site so the public can ask questions and provide feedback.