Commissioners agree evidence storage conversion should be treated as a capital improvement

Staff presented three estimates to convert storage units into secure evidence rooms for the Sheriff's office and asked the board to approve using county funds. A staff member and commissioners discussed whether the work should be recorded as a capital improvement; a staff speaker said it should be coded as capital because it alters county buildings and needs to be on the asset schedule.

"I would code it as a capital improvement," a staff member said. Commissioners noted the low bid was substantially lower than the other two estimates, and staff said capital improvement funds and previously pledged courthouse dollars could cover the expense. No final vote was recorded in the transcript; commissioners expressed a desire to begin the work promptly once funding is confirmed.

The group emphasized the project was overdue and that creating dedicated evidence space is necessary for operations. Staff suggested approving the project and starting as soon as practical to resolve long‑standing storage issues.