State proposes 10-year lease for Fort Scott driver’s license office at $2.10 per sq. ft.

Paul Fernkopf, lease administrator with the Department of Administration’s Office of Facilities and Property Management, told the Joint Committee on State Building Construction the Kansas Department of Revenue seeks an 800-square-foot office in the Bourbon County courthouse to replace an annex location. The negotiated term is 10 years at $2.10 per square foot with a five-year renewal option at the same rate.

"The proposed rate is well below market rates for properties in Bourbon County," Fernkopf said, and he added the new office will provide more lobby space for the public and improved accommodations for staff. He told the committee the space does not qualify for an energy audit because utilities are shared in the building.

Committee members asked no substantive questions and the presentation concluded without formal action. The committee did not have quorum to take votes and adjourned later in the meeting.