Lacey approves deal with Saint Martin’s Abbey in first step toward new police station
Lacey City Council on Thursday approved a memorandum of understanding with Saint Martin’s Abbey that clears the way for a new police station.
The city will pay $4 million for 12 acres of Abbey-owned land just north of City Hall at 420 College St. SE and south of I-5. That’s where the station will be built to replace the existing station that is nearly 40 years old.
City officials say the department has grown to meet the needs of the growing city, and the the existing space is no longer adequate.
The $4 million price tag reflects the appraised value of the land. The money won’t change hands right away, according to the city.
First, the city will first complete 30 percent of the police station design, then the city and Abbey will work on a boundary line adjustment to create a parcel to purchase. That will be followed by a purchase and sales agreement.
The city also has formed a citizens advisory group to provide input and guidance on the proposed station. That process is expected to last 10 months.
And before the station gets built, there’s one more step: finding the money for construction. The council is considering putting a ballot measure before voters. If voters approved raising money via a bond issue, it would be repaid via property taxes.
A bond issue would require a super-majority vote of 60 percent approval and a minimum voter turnout of 40 percent of the last general election, City Manager Scott Spence said Feb. 10.
This story was originally published March 19, 2022 at 5:45 AM.
