Douglas County staff have been studying space and security needs in the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) for about five years. The building was constructed in 1974 and the last addition was completed 23 years ago in 2000.

The JLEC houses the Seventh Judicial District, District Attorney’s Office, 911 Dispatch Center, Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, Information Technology, and Building and Maintenance management staff.

During the past year, Commissioners and staff have been working with TreanorHL Architects on design plans and estimated costs for a renovation and addition project that would improve operational efficiency, improve security for all users and enhance technology availability.

The existing building has a total of 100,369 square feet of space. According to a study, the County needs a total 157,183 square feet of space to meet the current needs in the JLEC based on best practices. That space need is expected to grow to 185,185 square feet in five years and increase twofold in the next 20 years to 206,045 square feet.

In mid-December, Commissioners directed County and TreanorHL staff to bring back more developed design plans and estimated costs for an option that would include a 52,200-square-foot addition to the JLEC and potentially move the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and Emergency Communication Center to county-owned land near the Correctional Facility at a cost not to exceed $70 million. Commissioners have expressed that they do not want to raise taxes to pay for the project.

TreanorHL staff expects to have those plans and cost estimates available in February.