County Weighing Space Options

Item: Little space, many opinions: County officials weigh in on infrastructure /Alecia Warren, Coeur d’Alene Press

More Info: Kootenai County department heads are on the fence about costly structural improvements the commissioners are considering in a draft facilities master plan. Although officials agree on the need for the recommended infrastructure overhaul, projected at roughly $36 million, some have doubts about the details. “We do have to plan ahead and know where we’re going to go in the future, so this master plan is a benefit,” Treasurer Tom Malzahn said of the draft prepared by NAC Architecture, which calls for new buildings and consolidating operations on the main campus. “But is it appropriate in its form right now? From my opinion, no.” Malzahn acknowledged the parking demand at the Government Way campus, which the draft plan recommends fixing with a 6- or 8-level parking garage.

Question: Is Kootenai County wise in planning for expanded space to meet staffing/courthouse needs?