(The Center Square) – A panel of Caddo Parish commissioners on Monday agreed to help the Sheriff’s Office purchase a $5.5 million former auto dealership to move into from the crumbling facilities it is leasing.
The parish’s Long Range Planning & Special Projects Committee voted 5-1 to recommend spending up to $2.5 million for the former Yokum Mitsubishi complex at 8750 Business Park Drive. The measure now heads to the full commission for a vote.
Sheriff Henry Whitehorn has sought to split the cost of the purchase in half with the parish and have his department cover maintenance costs for four years.
Whitehorn has said it’s no longer safe or fiscally responsible to stay at the two buildings his agency has been renting for more than 30 years at 4910 North Market and 1501 Corporate Drive. Water leaks into the buildings when it rains, causing mold, potential fire hazards and possible damage to evidence stored for court cases. The rental fee is around $16,000 per month.
Erica Brown, administrator and CEO for the parish, said it is required by state law to provide “a safe, secure” place for the department to work, and it’s up to the sheriff to decide whether to stay in the current location or relocate.
Commissioner Chris Kracman, who voted against the proposal, said he wanted more details on it, including an appraisal for the property and how much it would cost to upgrade it.
He said he understood the panel was deciding how much to give and questioned “what we’re putting the money toward.”
Commissioner Ronald Cothran said the Sheriff’s Office has “done their due diligence to look at the site” and the modifications that might be needed.
“The renovation and all that is not our worry,” Cothran said. “Our concern is how many dollars are we willing to pay toward if he chooses to move. Once we give dollars, we’re done.”
