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Board approves purchase of downtown building for Clerk & Controller storage and operations despite CRA concerns
Summary
The board voted 3–2 to buy 924 Hale Ave. (the Barcodes building) for nearly $1.963 million using impact fees and CIP funds to provide additional space for the Clerk’s operations, after debate about CRA revenue loss and alternatives such as county‑owned surplus land.
Public Works brought forward a negotiated purchase contract for 924 Hale Avenue — described in the meeting as the Barcodes building — as a potential new home for the Clerk & Comptroller’s operations, including larger jury assembly and customer service space and relocated IT operations.
Public works director Scott Herring presented the location and price; the negotiated purchase price is $1,963,000. Funding sources identified in the presentation included impact‑fee accounts and a proposed $500,000 transfer from a CIP line item related to a new constitutional building. Clerk Corbat explained the county needs additional space to accommodate technology, jury assembly and customer lines and said the building’s current layout could be repurposed.
Commissioners debated the transaction’s impacts: supporters cited the building’s move‑in readiness and that impact‑fee funds pay for growth‑related capital needs; critics warned purchasing will remove taxable property from the CRA and reduce annual tax receipts that would otherwise flow to CRA redevelopment. Several commissioners suggested exploring leasing alternatives or use of other county surplus property; others noted the building price and its readiness. After discussion and public comment, the board approved the purchase 3–2.
