Panel reviews 10‑year lease proposal for Kansas State Board of Indigenous Defense Services office in Junction City

Paul Fernkopf, lease administrator for the Department of Administration’s Office of Facility and Property Management, told a legislative committee the department seeks a 10‑year lease for the Kansas State Board of Indigenous Defense Services (SBIDS) office in Junction City that would provide 7,050 square feet of office space at a starting rent of $14.28 per square foot and include a five‑year renewal option at the agency’s discretion.

Fernkopf said the current SBIDS facility, occupied since 2011, lacks dedicated client meeting rooms and conference space, has secure‑parking shortfalls for state vehicles and has faced maintenance issues including roof leaks and a basement flood. He added the proposal includes roughly 1,952 square feet of storage at no additional cost, more than $75,000 in office furniture that would become SBIDS property upon occupancy, and a one‑year post‑occupancy energy audit.

The presentation prompted questions from committee members about escalation clauses, proximity to the courthouse and whether the lease was cost‑effective given the size of the staff. Senator Owens asked whether rent escalates annually; Fernkopf said there is an escalation clause that applies roughly every two years and that the increase is about 2.5 percent. Senator Billinger challenged the project’s scale and cost, saying, “We're gonna spend over a $100,000 a year on the office for 14 people.”

Another senator noted the move from 715 North Washington Street to 819 North Washington Street and asked whether reduced parking or travel costs for attorneys who can now walk to the courthouse would offset higher rent. Fernkopf answered that utilities and operating costs are reflected in the cost‑per‑square‑foot calculations and that pest control and other operating items were considered.

Billinger also asked whether the square footage in the proposal matched what the RFP requested or was simply what was available; Fernkopf said the agency asked for more space because SBIDS has grown and that multiple bids were received, with this proposal offering the best rate among those submitted.

Because a full quorum was not present, the committee did not take a vote on the lease. Members discussed scheduling and possible site visits — including the state fair, the Hutchinson facility, the proposed Bison Arena, schools for the deaf and blind and selected wildlife and parks sites — and agreed to defer formal action until a future meeting when a quorum can be reached. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote on the lease.