By Sara QuamAfter a meeting Tuesday, it is clear that Rock County commissioners will build a new law enforcement center rather than renovate the existing structure.Building a new facility near the Rock County Highway Department on Blue Mound Avenue would cost about $2,122,252.Remodeling and adding on to the existing Law Enforcement Center would cost about $2,465,669. Both costs are estimates. Considering that construction would start in 2007, the actual cost may be less.The only commissioner opposed to the plan of building new was Jane Wildung."The only way we can build new is if we have a use for the current Law Enforcement Center. I cannot justify tearing it down," Wildung said.Other commissioners don’t want to tear it down either.Ron Boyenga, for instance, said it could sit empty for a few years with minimum maintenance and then a suitable use might be found.Ken Hoime said, "It’ll take a while before we know what to do with it, but it’ll come."Wildung said, "You’re going to regret this because it cannot sit empty that long."It costs about $14,000 a year to occupy the 1900 building.Hoime said, "It’s been talked about for so long, whether to remodel or build, that we just have to make a decision."Wildung said, "I certainly respect your opinion, but I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of building new."Commissioners Bob Jarchow and Richard Bakken also said they would likely vote in favor of building new because of efficiency for workers.Bakken said he believes the LEC should be preserved and be used because of its architectural value.The county will probably fund up to half of the total building project with bonds, and then pay the remaining with reserves.The county owns land between the current Highway Department and Human Services buildings that could provide the site for a new LEC. The preliminary plans give a new LEC 9,280 square feet.The space would include interview rooms, a secure entrance and exit, more office space and additional storage. It also has space for a community meeting room and holding cells for prisoners.It has more windows and a single floor plan, so work space would be brighter and more efficient there.There is a possibility the county will ask an architect to make plans to add on to the Highway Department Building or Human Services rather than a totally new structure.Commissioners called a special meeting to discuss and take a formal vote on the LEC issue at 7:30 a.m. Friday.
