Commissioners authorize plan for $20.4M forensic lab expansion, approve intent to bond

Sedgwick County commissioners authorized a resolution April 8 that paves the way for an expansion of the Regional Forensic Science Center and a DNA laboratory remodel, saying the county intends to issue general obligation bonds in 2028 to reimburse earlier project costs.

Lindsey Porusso, Sedgwick County chief financial officer, told commissioners the capital-improvement project was included in last year's CIP and that the current estimate for the work is "just under $20,400,000." She said the board would not issue bonds immediately; the action before the commission was a formal authorization that keeps the project eligible for future reimbursement when construction is substantially complete.

"So, at the time that you all authorized that capital improvement project, the estimated cost was just under $20,400,000," Porusso said. She outlined the county's plan to spend design funds this year, construct next year, and seek bond reimbursement in 2028.

Commissioners discussed both the operational need for additional forensic capacity and concerns about the proposed site layout. Commissioner Reddy and others said the county's justice system and local law enforcement have cited delays in toxicology and other analyses that the expanded facility is intended to address. Commissioner Howe said he supported expanding capacity but objected to the design and location being proposed.

The motion to adopt the resolution passed 4-1, with Commissioner Howe casting the lone no vote. The county manager and finance staff said next steps include finalizing construction contracts and scheduling a bond issuance later this decade.

The resolution authorizes work necessary to make the project eligible for proceeds of general-obligation bonds; no debt was issued at the April 8 meeting.