Thurston County is set to finalize the $14.25 million purchase for a new Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) headquarters in Tumwater.
Officials announced in a press release issued Friday, Jan. 31, that the move will improve efficiency by consolidating 130 staff members currently spread across multiple leased facilities.
The decision, supported by funding from the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST), aims to balance expanding public safety services and long-term infrastructure needs.
Sheriff Derek Sanders, who previously addressed concerns about PSST spending, reiterated that the office has secured stable funding for bond payments and operational growth.
Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Chair Tye Menser said the investment was critical.
“This purchase is a crucial investment in the future of our community and a testament to our shared commitment to public safety,” Menser said.
“It’s a milestone made possible by the community’s support of the Public Safety Sales Tax,” he added.
The county began its search for a suitable location for a centralized facility in September 2023.
After a thorough review, officials selected a LEED-certified building at 1111 Israel Road SW, which was built in 2008 and previously used by state agencies. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a system used to gauge a building's sustainability and resource efficiency.
In September 2024, a year after the location search, the BoCC approved the purchase pending inspection.
Assistant County Manager Joshua Cummings confirmed earlier this month that the inspection had been completed, clearing the way for the transaction to proceed.
BoCC Vice Chair Wayne Fournier underscored the strategic significance of the acquisition.
“This acquisition reflects our dedication to providing sustainable, cost-effective, and long-term facilities that not only address the immediate needs but also plan for future growth,” Fournier said.
Fournier also indicated that the board sees ensuring proper resources for the TCSO as essential to maintaining and enhancing public safety services.
Fournier also said the project aligns with the county’s goal of sustainable, long-term infrastructure development.
County Manager Leonard Hernandez described the project as an example of thoughtful fiscal planning.
“Our team of professionals has demonstrated that we can acquire infrastructure in a thoughtful and economical manner that achieves the goal while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Hernandez said. “This is how we continue to build community trust.”
Officials believe the new headquarters will enhance coordination across law enforcement units and improve service delivery.
Sanders said the new space would enable quicker response times and better information sharing.
“Our detectives, patrol staff, and support staff will be together in one building enabling improved information sharing and speedier response times,” he said.
“The additional space will also allow us to hire and house new deputies.”
Upgrades to the building will include compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other modifications tailored to law enforcement needs.
Sanders expressed gratitude to the community.
“Thank you to the citizens of Thurston County for supporting the Public Safety Sales Tax. No office benefits from your investment more than us, and we will continue to improve our services to you," Sanders said.
He also acknowledged the board's support and stressed the new facility will help the department improve the experience for people who rely on its services.
The sheriff’s office is expected to move into the new headquarters by spring 2026.
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Porter
Cool!
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