Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Des Moines County Says No to Facility

It appears the city of Burlington will have to go it alone when it comes to finding a new home for its police department.

The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors had expressed an interest in the project.

In fact, the panel met with the Burlington City Council on two occasions in recent weeks.  One meeting took place at a proposed location (301 Jefferson Street).

The interest has faded, though, based on a discussion during this week's county board meeting.

Chairman Tom Broeker said the county cannot afford to be involved.

"I think that's pretty much a consensus because the county can't afford it," said Broeker.  "Short of borrowing money, and quite honestly, if we are going to make lease payments, that would have to come out of the general basic fund and there is no money there to make lease payments."

Broeker said the county’s focus will now shift towards finding a new home for the County Attorney’s office.

That office is currently located inside the Burlington police station, which the city wants to replace due to its aging condition.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.