Agenda 11-09-23; 2 - Orange County Facilities Master Plan Update

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5 Recommendation: Construct a new modern Health Services Complex in a commercial district, with work performed in phases over time ($25M). Backfill vacated Whitted facility spaces with administrative functions such as the County Attorney's Office. Item #8: Social Services, Hillsborough Commons, 113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough: A portion of the Department of Social Service (DSS) is currently located at Hillsborough Commons, 113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough. Originally constructed in 1988, this 56,000 g.s.f. facility was a former Wal-Mart store that was renovated into offices and leased to the county starting in 2008. Rent is currently $71,000/month. The roof was replaced by the owner in 2020, but continues to leak from time to time. The facility is fully occupied and will not easily accommodate future projected growth of 12,000 g.s.f. This may be partially offset by phasing in remote/hybrid work options; however, many DSS positions require face to face interaction with County residents. The building is aging and will require major upgrades in future years. The following options were developed to address these concerns: • Exit the lease at Hillsborough Commons. Construct a new 64,379 g.s.f. DSS facility in a commercial district, with ample parking, access to public transportation, and adjacent to major highways, 1-85 and 1-40. It may be advantageous to locate this adjacent to the new Health Services Complex, if that project is also approved ($38.7M). • Remain at Hillsborough Commons. Renovate as necessary to accommodate projected growth (hybrid office arrangement). Consider rental of additional space in shopping center ($2.7M). Recommendation: Exit the lease at Hillsborough Commons. Construct a new 64,379 g.s.f. DSS facility ($38.5M). Phasing Plan A project phasing plan that incorporates the key planning decision recommendations is provided in Attachment C. This phasing plan describes the sequence of projects to be performed by year. The first ten years of the phasing plan also include estimated budgets for each project. The remaining long-range projects in the Master Plan are described and sequenced, but do not include a budget, as the process of budgeting beyond a ten-year horizon is less than reliable. It is recommended that the Facilities Master Plan should be reviewed and updated every five years, and budgets for those long-range projects can be developed at a time closer to actual implementation. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Implementing the recommended projects in the first ten years of the phasing plan (Attachment C)would cost a total of$130.3 million over the ten-year period. Approval of all or a portion of these recommendations would require an analysis of the debt model to determine the timing and feasibility of the performance of this work. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is associated with this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents.