Vigo County budget staff said Oct. 9 they are exploring a purchase to house drug court and would seek county council approval to use opioid funds for the acquisition rather than renew an existing lease.

A staff presenter told the committee the current lease for drug court space expires Jan. 31 and that one of the existing leases already operates month-to-month; the county has budgeted rent for next year but prefers to own rather than continue leasing. “What we would like to do is potentially use opioid funds and or come to you folks hopefully next month with a request to purchase this building right over here in the corner, HWC,” the staff presenter said.

The county said it is completing two commercial appraisals as required; staff expects to present council members with appraisal results and a purchase request before the lease deadline. The presenter said state law requires the county not pay more than the average of two appraisals. The committee discussed timing and noted the county must give 60 days’ notice to terminate or let the lease relist for five years.

Why it matters: County staff said purchasing would avoid another multi-year lease on space that the presenter said is not fully handicapped accessible and would keep drug court near defenders and the annex. No purchase price was presented; staff said appraisals were underway and the second appraisal had just been received.