Press Release
Payette — Payette County kicked off the initial phase of a Master Facilities Plan and Comprehensive Financial Plan process that will help guide future planning and budgeting for County facilities. The Idaho-based consulting team of Clearwater Financial and GGLO Architects, along with County staff, toured the Payette County Courthouse Complex, including the jail, to assess existing building and mechanical systems conditions, as well as space utilization.
In addition, the team surveyed and interviewed key County staff and officials to evaluate future needs for all County departments. Population projections, anticipated service demands, and public service delivery trends will also be considered in estimating future needs. The assessment visits and other findings will be used to evaluate whether existing facilities are able to be renovated or expanded or if constructing new facilities may be more cost-effective to meet future space needs. Immediate facilities, service, and technological needs will be prioritized.
The tour highlighted space and storage challenges, in addition to needed technological upgrades, while other spaces may require more major improvements to meet code requirements for public facilities and accommodate the increased demand for service.
According to Lindsey Bratcher, Payette County Clerk, “Payette County has a long history of conservative budgeting and has always prioritized its taxpayers. As public servants, we take pride in the service we provide; however, we have far exceeded our space, and service to our community will only diminish as the population increases. The courthouse and existing accessary structures cannot support the continued growth. We are excited to work with Clearwater and our citizens to develop a path forward.”
The MFP will align with the County’s Comprehensive Plan goals for public services and facilities. The County anticipates the release of findings and consultant recommendations in the fall of 2024.
“The Payette County Sheriff’s Office and jail facility are over 24 years old, with some sections of the building being older than 50 years old. The building was never designed for the challenges of our County in 2024. We have diligently used every available space to continue to serve our community,” says Payette County Sheriff Andy Creech. “With our County’s growing population, we need to begin planning for the future to continue providing the level of service that our citizens expect. I am looking forward to the process of planning for the future facilities and engaging with the citizens in this process.”
To learn more about the Master Facility and Comprehensive Planning projects, visit the Payette County MFP page.
