Commission approves $390,000 purchase of building for police investigative use; some commissioners push for open RFP
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Summary
The commission approved purchase of a roughly 6,000‑square‑foot property and adjacent land for $390,000 to house investigative personnel, vehicle storage and specialized evidence processing; commissioners asked why the city did not first issue a request for proposals.
The Junction City Commission approved purchase of a property for $390,000 to provide space for investigative personnel, storage of evidence and vehicles, and specialized evidence processing including an enclosed fingerprint fumigation chamber.
Assistant Chief (presenting) said the building is roughly 6,000 square feet on approximately one acre and already contains two vehicle lifts that are useful for vehicle searches and processing. He told commissioners the space would let investigators, a SWAT/rescue vehicle and seized‑vehicle storage be located on the opposite side of town from the main police department, which staff said would reduce response times for certain incidents.
Why some commissioners asked for an RFP
A commissioner asked whether the city should have solicited proposals from multiple property owners. The commissioner said after reviewing other properties in town, he believed more buildings could have met the department’s needs and recommended a formal RFP process. Staff replied they had reviewed multiple properties with a local real estate contact and that several properties had already been considered and disqualified for operational reasons.
Costs and likely renovations
- Purchase price for the building was $390,000; staff estimated renovations at roughly $100,000–$115,000 to make the property suitable for full investigative use.
- Assistant Chief said the property already has two vehicle lifts and space for long‑term vehicle storage; staff also noted land adjacent to the building allows for future enclosures such as fenced storage or canine kennels.
Vote and implementation
A motion to purchase the property for $390,000 passed; staff said renovation plans will be bid separately and return to the commission before work begins. Commissioners divided on procurement approach; the purchase moves forward but several members asked staff to document outreach and market review for transparency.