Oakland County approves purchases, lease amendments to relieve court and sheriff space shortages

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to move forward on a series of facilities actions intended to ease overcrowding at two district courts and improve storage and response capabilities for the sheriff’s office.

Facilities Director Ed Joss told commissioners the county has scouted sites since last November to replace an inadequate leased storage facility used by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and recommended purchasing 2110 Executive Hills Court in Waterford so the sheriff would operate from county‑owned space. Joss said the county must be prepared to vacate the existing leased building by November and that some modifications (fencing, overhead doors, HVAC) will be needed. “Response time is something I heard, and it’s up to what Lieutenant Burwell and his team is wanting to do,” Joss said.

The board voted by voice to recommend the purchase to the finance committee and begin due diligence. Commissioners stressed timing and asked whether the county had budgeted for modifications; CFO Ryan Leffler said appraisals are incoming and staff would return with final numbers.

Separately the board approved a five‑year lease amendment for the 52‑2 District Court in Clarkston to add about 1,100 square feet and remodel storage into probation space. Brook Durham, court administrator, said the court is “busting at the seams,” with employees sharing cramped offices and no dedicated jury or conference rooms. “This includes an extra 1,100 square feet…to get us some immediate relief,” Durham said. Facilities staff said the amendment improves the county’s leverage with the landlord and that tenant improvement costs for the build‑out would be billed as agreed in the amendment.

The board also approved forwarding to finance a proposed purchase of 48150 Grand River Ave in Novi for the 52‑1 District Court. Facilities staff said buying the building would remove about $80,000 a year in tax payments and capture tenant‑improvement credits negotiated under the lease; Alexander Black, court administrator for 52‑1, said the county has paid rent at that location for decades and that ownership makes fiscal sense. Commissioners asked about pedestrian access and the wetland area adjacent to the parcel; staff said wetlands were reportedly protected but welcomed follow‑up about potential public‑space activation.

Public comment during the meeting returned to court operations: resident Margaret Gupta urged the board to ensure courthouse Zoom hearings preserve court records and questioned whether sufficient security and investigation of alleged Zoom‑related record problems had occurred. The board did not take immediate action on the allegation but noted the public comment for follow‑up.

Next steps: the facilities purchases and lease amendment will be forwarded to the finance committee for appraisal, due diligence and budget assignment before final execution.