Cole County plans $1.3 million facility renovation - ABC17NEWS

Cole County is planning an approximate $1.3 million renovation of its emergency services building as officials continue exploring long-term options for consolidating 911 operations with Jefferson City, according to a report from KMIZ. The project, approved by the Cole County Commission, aims to address immediate infrastructure needs while the county evaluates potential regional coordination of emergency services.

At the commission’s meeting, EMS Chief Eric Hoy stated that the communications center has outgrown its current space within the emergency services building on Southridge Drive. “We do not have a situation where we can sustain that for 5, 10, or 15 more years,” Hoy said. The renovation, described as a short-term solution, would include repairs to deteriorating concrete floors, water damage, and drainage issues, along with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades. It would also ensure an entrance compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Renovation Details and Immediate Goals

The commission voted to advance the renovation’s design phase, allocating $165,000 for architectural and engineering services and an additional $6,800 for a civil survey. These steps are intended to prepare the project for bidding and construction in 2027. Hoy emphasized that the renovated space would be designed to accommodate potential future moves of communications technology to another facility, leaving “an open office space” if operations change.

Next Steps in the Project

The design work follows a $29,725 study of the county’s emergency communications system approved in July. The Jefferson City Public Safety Committee is set to meet Wednesday, with Hoy scheduled to provide an update on EMS. While the renovation addresses current infrastructure challenges, the county’s long-term plans for 911 consolidation with Jefferson City remain under review.

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