EPC May Buy New Buildings

By Samantha Andersons.Anderson@krdo.comFollow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SamEAnderson

EL PASO COUNTY – El Paso County may be getting new digs for several of its offices.

Four buildings are in critical condition, creating a poor and dangerous work environment for both employees and clients.

According to the county, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office has out grown its capacity. There’s no room for employees, storage or even, bodies.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has chronic drainage problems and constant parking problems. There are 415 employees and only 307 spaces.

The Health Department’s HVAC system is worn out, causing uncontrollable temperatures. Last year, $47,000 dollars worth of medications were spoiled.

The Sheriff’s Office is also short of space. There’s no room for emergency vehicles in the parking lot.

The county has come up with a list of solutions. Renovate, build, lease or buy. “It appears the best option is to purchase existing facilities, right now the market is favorable,” said Monnie Gore, Deputy County Administrator. The cost would be about $87 million dollars over the next 30 years.

“We’re going to have to find financing piece of it will be critical because we have to live within existing budget”

The county has looked at dozens of properties for potential purchase but wants to do more research before making a final decision.