Staff presents analysis of whether Franklin County should build, renovate or lease facilities

County staff from the Franklin Fulton Drug and Alcohol Department presented an analysis on whether the county should build, renovate or lease space for county programs.

Leslie Bowers (human service fiscal officer) and Jennifer Courtney (case manager) framed the decision around community needs, operational continuity, regulatory compliance and fiscal stewardship. They outlined renovation risks (hidden structural/abatement costs and phased relocations) and advantages of new construction (predictable timeline and minimized service disruption). Example cost ranges were provided: a sample 30,000-square-foot new building estimated at $250–$500 per square foot (basic to premium), while renovation ranged from roughly $150–$400 per square foot depending on condition and scope.

Staff emphasized the need to evaluate structural and hazardous issues, performance specifications, site selection and long-term fiscal responsibility before making a decision. Commissioners asked for recommendations and were told the decision depends on specific program requirements, lease-review considerations and counsel input; no final direction was recorded at the meeting.