County could purchase DMV building for space

Purchase of the Department of Motor Vehicles building in Minden is being considered as part of this year's capital improvement plan purchases. Suggested uses include everything from a county elections center and conference room to administrative offices for the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts.

"We could do lots to make it usable," said Commissioner Kelly Kite.

A February appraisal of the building set its value at $800,000.

Acquisition of the building, which abuts the Douglas County Public Library in Minden, could also provide the space needed in phase three of the library's expansion plans.

"We would have to revisit the appraisal," said Commissioner David Brady. "And make a commitment with respect to the building's use."

"I understand the need for it," Kite said. "The building could be used for a voting and election center. That could save us $40,000 a year plus."

Located just off Highway 88 on County Road, the 4,500-square-foot building is zoned office commercial. The 24,500-square-foot lot and basic rectangular shape of the building allow for future expansion.

The DMV's 10-year lease ended in July but a one-year extension was granted, assuring income through the year if the county purchases the building. East Fork Fire could use the building for administrative purposes until their new station is built near Buckeye Road, county officials said.

Douglas County has a $128.3 million wish list for 95 capital improvement projects over the next five years, and $16 million available for those purchases in the upcoming fiscal year.

Commissioners approved $2.2 million for phase I of the jail expansion, which includes additional holding cells and redesign of the jail control room and booking area. Another $500,000 is dedicated to the design of Muller Lane and $300,000 for the Stephanie Lane signal. Up to $450,000 will be used to improve surface parking in downtown Minden, complete with street scaping.

Decisions concerning purchase of the Department of Motor Vehicles building and a new regional juvenile detention facility in Carson Valley have been put on hold, pending more research.

Bond proceeds and reserves from the ad valorem capital projects fund, county construction and general fund undesignated reserves are all available for capital improvements, but some commissioners hesitate when it comes to using up reserves, considering the current economic uncertainties.

"I can't support using reserves for brick and mortar," said Brady.

"We're already using reserves and we don't know what we'll be facing with the budget," he said. "We should consider using capital to generate revenues."

Assistant County Manager Michael Brown said he doesn't advocate the use of operating reserves in the general fund for capital improvements, but prefers an approach that includes setting priorities and sticking to them.



-- Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.