During a work session Tuesday afternoon, Weld County Commissioners received the latest piece in the county’s growth puzzle — a report providing cost estimates for building a new judicial center in downtown Greeley compared to building a new center off of O St.
The presentation and report mark the completion of the county’s 20-year master facilities plan by Gensler – a global architecture, design and planning firm. Commissioners hired Gensler last year to do a thorough on-site review of all the county’s buildings – outlining needed repairs, maintenance plans, and future growth possibilities, as the county makes plans to keep up with population growth and public use of county services.
“The board felt it was crucial to invest in this study so we could make informed decisions about how to maximize taxpayer dollars, while maintaining the level of services residents expect from county government,” said Weld County Commissioner Chair Perry Buck. “The county had never had a true comprehensive look at the conditions of all our buildings, the lifespan of our current facilities, or a reliable cost analysis of building maintenance. This study thoroughly examined all of those points and provides aroad map for us to follow.”
When the study began, the county was considering either the possible purchase of the vacant State Farm building in west Greeley or building new facilities on land the county owns just north of its current location on O St.
Upon hearing concerns from constituents about possibly moving the judicial center out of downtown Greeley, the board directed Gensler to look at options for the downtown location, as well, taking into consideration land swaps and possible partnerships with entities located in the same area.
“Here is what we know,” said Commissioner Scott James. “This decision is not going to be an easy one. There are many factors to consider and many groups to consult before any decision on a location will be made.”
The addition of a justice center to the county’s facility plan occurred after the county learned it would be getting at least two new judges within the next three to five years.
“We currently have room for one more courtroom,” said Commissioner Kevin Ross. “We don’t have the option of kicking this can down the road. There is an immediate need for the justice center, and we know we have to address this subject now. We want to make the best decision for taxpayers.”
The report is just the first of many items commissioners will have to consider, as infrastructure costs (water and sewer lines and/or upgrades) and project timelines will also factor into the equation when deciding on a location. The price estimates for the two location options presented by Gensler only include building costs, meaning the lowest cost on paper in the report may not be the lowest cost in reality when all of the possible project options and details are explored.
“We just received a lot of information to review and consider,” said Commissioner Jason Maxey. “We need to move quickly, but foremost, we need to be methodical. This decision will not only impact taxpayers across the county but also will impact future generations. We want to get it right.”
The board will take the next few weeks to review the document as well as host three informational sessions for the public. These sessions, which will allow for general discussion about the proposed judicial center locations, will allow the board to hear some initial feedback from the public interested in this project.
“We invite the public to learn more about this project, to ask questions and to give us input,” said Commissioner Lynette Peppler. “These initial informational sessions will be general, but they will start an important dialogue that we are very interested in having.”
The board will host three informational meetings regarding the judicial center:
- Mon., March 10, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O St., Greeley
- Tues., March 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Southwest Service Center, 4209 WCR 24 ½, Longmont
- Mon., March 24, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O St., Greeley
Following the initial informational sessions and review of the plan, the board will develop a project timeline to share with the public.
