Rock Island, IL (March 27, 2012) - Early discussions are underway by the
Rock Island County Board to evaluate the feasibility of consolidating the
County Building and Courthouse. Both buildings in downtown Rock Island are
facing significant repairs in the coming years and the Board is weighing the
costs of making renovations or moving offices to a new location.
The County Building is 113 years old and the Courthouse is 117. About 80
other counties have old courthouses that need significant repairs. It is a
growing concern across the country as buildings age, technology changes
and public safety needs are addressed.
Neither building is ADA compliant and Rock Island County officials seek
to remedy the situation for the benefit of the public and employees. Both
buildings are structurally sound, but are unable to be adequately renovated
to meet today's standards for security. Parking is insufficient at both locations
to meet the County's current needs. Options to rent out office space in the
buildings are being explored to generate revenue for the County.
The annual cost of operating both buildings combined is $720,000. Aging
HVAC and lighting are inefficient and maintenance costs continue to rise. The
County Board will consider whether it makes more sense financially to lease
space in a newer combined campus building or continue to repair and operate
the current buildings.
A combined campus location in Rock Island is being considered. If approved,
County offices would move to a current building that would be refurbished.
Building a new facility is not being considered due to the cost of construction
and lack of suitable locations. The new campus space would be leased
with an option to own in 20 or 30 years. The County Board is comparing the
current operations and maintenance costs to the lease option and endeavors
to spend less with a new leasing option.
The offices that would move to the new campus include : Auditor, Board of
Review, Chief County Assessment, Circuit Clerk, Coroner, County Board,
County Clerk, Court Administration, Adult & Juvenile Probation (Court
Services), Forest Preserve, GIS, Human Resources, Information Systems,
Maintenance, Mental Health, Public Defender, Recorder, States Attorney,
Treasurer, Veterans Assistance and Zoning.
The County plans to reduce operations and equipment expenses by operating
a single facility. Through attrition and shared use of office and maintenance
equipment, expenses will be reduced. The campus will also operate with
a "one way in, one way out" concept that will decrease the security costs now
incurred at the Courthouse.
A developer is currently in discussions with the Rock Island County Board.
Initial evaluations of building and financing options have led the Board to
further explore the lease to own option. A private builder can leverage various
credits that government entities cannot, such as TIF, Enterprise Zone and
other rebates. This lease opportunity would save Rock Island County over a
20-30 year period.
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Rock Island County Board to evaluate the feasibility of consolidating the
County Building and Courthouse. Both buildings in downtown Rock Island are
facing significant repairs in the coming years and the Board is weighing the
costs of making renovations or moving offices to a new location.
The County Building is 113 years old and the Courthouse is 117. About 80
other counties have old courthouses that need significant repairs. It is a
growing concern across the country as buildings age, technology changes
and public safety needs are addressed.
Neither building is ADA compliant and Rock Island County officials seek
to remedy the situation for the benefit of the public and employees. Both
buildings are structurally sound, but are unable to be adequately renovated
to meet today's standards for security. Parking is insufficient at both locations
to meet the County's current needs. Options to rent out office space in the
buildings are being explored to generate revenue for the County.
The annual cost of operating both buildings combined is $720,000. Aging
HVAC and lighting are inefficient and maintenance costs continue to rise. The
County Board will consider whether it makes more sense financially to lease
space in a newer combined campus building or continue to repair and operate
the current buildings.
A combined campus location in Rock Island is being considered. If approved,
County offices would move to a current building that would be refurbished.
Building a new facility is not being considered due to the cost of construction
and lack of suitable locations. The new campus space would be leased
with an option to own in 20 or 30 years. The County Board is comparing the
current operations and maintenance costs to the lease option and endeavors
to spend less with a new leasing option.
The offices that would move to the new campus include : Auditor, Board of
Review, Chief County Assessment, Circuit Clerk, Coroner, County Board,
County Clerk, Court Administration, Adult & Juvenile Probation (Court
Services), Forest Preserve, GIS, Human Resources, Information Systems,
Maintenance, Mental Health, Public Defender, Recorder, States Attorney,
Treasurer, Veterans Assistance and Zoning.
The County plans to reduce operations and equipment expenses by operating
a single facility. Through attrition and shared use of office and maintenance
equipment, expenses will be reduced. The campus will also operate with
a "one way in, one way out" concept that will decrease the security costs now
incurred at the Courthouse.
A developer is currently in discussions with the Rock Island County Board.
Initial evaluations of building and financing options have led the Board to
further explore the lease to own option. A private builder can leverage various
credits that government entities cannot, such as TIF, Enterprise Zone and
other rebates. This lease opportunity would save Rock Island County over a
20-30 year period.
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