Airway Heights approves purchase of police building

The Airway Heights City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve the purchase of a new building to accommodate the city’s Police Department.

The purchase amount will be $260,000 plus title insurance and closing costs, and will come from the city’s Real Estate Excise Tax fund.

Police Chief Lee Bennett and others say the department has outgrown its current location at 13414 W. Sunset Highway, which has housed the department for more than 13 years. A portable unit was brought in a few years ago to provide more room for 13 officers and an administrative assistant.

The new building at 1307 S. Ziegler St. is approximately 4,800 square feet, nearly three times the space the department currently occupies.

“This should give us adequate room for at least the next 15 or 20 years,” Bennett said.

“I don’t envision that the city of Airway Heights would have to purchase another building for a police department short of a natural disaster.”

The council also authorized the spending of up to $40,000 for remodeling costs. This would consist of installing a new climate control system, carpeting and interior walls.

Bennett told council members he plans to employ Airway Heights Corrections Center work crews to carry out the remodel where possible.