On the ballot: Police station bond issue

     Voters on April 5th will be asked to decide on a $14,000,000 bond issue for the site development and the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a police facility.
     The proposed station will be approximately 22,000 square feet, which the City states is expected to accommodate 20 years of growth. The proposed building has been designed to allow for expansion if needed. 
     The estimated $14 million for the station project includes site development, including utility infrastructure, paved entrances and parking, and all the external and internal features including furniture. The City has emphasized its sound financial standing that would allow any type of municipal financing can be accomplished without an increase to the tax levy. It is anticipated that a no levy increase bond initiative will allow the headquarters to be built without maxing out debt capacities. 
     “The current building is a shared space housing the police department as well as many other departments in the city. The population of Grain Valley has tripled since the station was built in the early 2000's. With that growth, the number of commissioned officers alone has more than doubled in size. Currently the police department occupies 8,000 square feet but it has been determined that the department would operate most efficiently in a space almost triple that size," Theresa Osenbaugh, Deputy City Administrator, said. 
     "Besides the overall building layout and size not being conducive to department needs, national standards have changed since the station was originally built and much can be improved upon. We look forward to being able to provide our officers and civilian staff with the space needed to adequately complete paperwork, package and store evidence, and provide secure parking for vehicles and safety as well as have increased safety features for detaining and transferring prisoners and adequate space for training amongst other improvements."
     The City is hosting an open house and opportunity to tour the current facility, 711 Main, on March 30th from 5-7pm. Below is a virtual tour for those who are unable to attend in person.

Photo credit: City of Grain Valley