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Commissioner Carey said that he would like hear the rest of Pam Jones' presentation <br /> and then review the letter from the DSS Board. <br /> Pam Jones said that the bottom line between the two options is close and they looked at <br /> advantages and disadvantages of each option, and they are trying to alleviate a space crunch, <br /> particularly for DSS. <br /> Advantages of Lease/Purchase <br /> • Quickest option to provide adequate space for Social Services. <br /> • Adaptive reuse of existing facility consistent with High Performance Building standards <br /> • Opportunity to significantly improve entranceway to Hillsborough and reflect a more <br /> environmentally sustainable facility <br /> • County's presence will help sustain the local businesses currently located at the site. <br /> • Could potentially continue some leases after purchase to help offset debt service (similar to <br /> 501/503 W. Franklin project) <br /> • County acquires 10 acres with estimated value of$1.5--$2 million. <br /> • Facility would remain on tax rolls during lease period <br /> • Single level would offer good access to handicapped citizens (no future elevator problems) <br /> Disadvantages to Lease/Purchase <br /> • Building design could be less flexible than totally new construction. <br /> • Would get less reimbursement from State for upfit costs since we will not own the facility at <br /> the time of renovation. <br /> Advantages to New Construction <br /> • More flexibility over design outcome since you are starting with a clean site <br /> • New space <br /> • Located at an established site so clients would be familiar with the service location. <br /> Disadvantages to New Construction <br /> • Development timeline longer <br /> • The Whitted Building renovation after DSS is relocated would be more expensive and less <br /> predictable than renovating the same amount of space at the Mayo Street site. <br /> Next Steps: Human Services <br /> • State option preference, citing additional information that may be needed before staff <br /> presents item for formal BOCC approval; OR <br /> • Outline additional options to be vetted by staff and presented to BOCC at future date <br /> Chair Jacobs asked Social Services Director Nancy Coston to come to the table and <br /> speak on this issue. <br /> Nancy Coston made reference to the service model and said that there is some <br /> confusion about the word "satellite". She said that 5,000 square feet is a substantially-sized <br /> satellite and something they do not have at this time. Orange County DSS is already not as <br /> responsive as it needs to be. She said that there must be a presence in both ends of the <br />