Opinion Page

To the editor:
There is lots of information regarding the Law Enforce. Center, but it is a good building and can be upgraded
easily.
The Law Enforcement Center built in the 1930s is more than three decades newer than the Court House. It
willcontinue to be used - it won't be torn down.
Six years ago the county hired architects to review that building, including the 1970's middle section. They
concluded that that building is in good shape - it is structurally sound, with sound walls, terrazo floors in the
halls - virtually indestructible.
The north end needs some upgrading; heating and cooling system, upgrade windows and some carpeting
needs replacing. The city paid an architect to give them an estimate for upgrading/remodeling.
That architect actually just used the book of the architects hired by the county 6 years ago for dimensions. He
came up with a figure of TWO MILLION dollars.
To spend that much it would become a Taj Mahal! The two million dollar figure would mean a cost of $125.00
a square foot. In comparison, we are paying $85.00 for the hospital addition being built. (If you have an
architect estimate his planned work, sure it will be exhorbitant.) More off-street parking can be addressed.
What's the rush to BUILD NEW? Yes, the Police Dept. needs more room, but next year when the new jail is
open the entire top floor of the LEC will be vacated by the Work Release Inmates - 14,690 square feet! In that
space there is more than enough room for briefing rooms, vault to secure evidence, interview rooms, training,
and lots of storage for records and other materials. The records now on the main level can easily be
accommodated on the upper level.
The Police Chief says he "doesn't want to be on the second floor" - No one said he had to be. His office can
remain, and there'll be much more room for additional offices if needed, when the stored material is moved
upstairs.
Also now with "Regionalization" being pushed hard by the Governor, there's a strong chance our dispatching
will be combined with other counties. If it is put in another county, all the space now used by dispatch will be
vacated also.
If Law Enforcement moves out, that building will not be destroyed. It will be used by others. Seems a big
waste to make such a change.
I ask, "Is it better to do a small amount of remodeling to continue to accommodate Law Enforcement, or to
BUILD NEW and then spend much more to remodel for others to use?"

Bev Bales
Carlos MN 56319
(Bev Bales is a Douglas County Commissioner)