Oxford Township’s old offices at 18 W. Burdick Street could become the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department’s new substation.
‘It’s going to be a very positive thing for us,? said Sheriff’s Lt. Larry Perry.
Township officials last week voted 7-0 to authorize Perry and Supervisor Bill Dunn to obtain a total cost estimate of what it would take to convert the vacant offices into a cop shop.
Dunn was also directed to get a couple bids for architectural services ? or if possible, obtain free services ? and start applying with the village for any approvals that may be required.
‘If we do these upgrades, we are going to need plans,? Dunn said. ‘We are going to have to pull permits. We’re going to have to do all the stuff just like anybody else.?
Moving into the old township offices would offer the sheriff’s department numerous advantages.
Currently, the substation is housed into a 1,685-square-foot space the township leases at Express Mini Storage (2121 N. Lapeer Rd.) for $2,893 per month.
‘We’re very cramped right now,? Perry said.
The old township hall would offer a combined 3,771 square feet with the substation offices, interview rooms and reception area on the main floor. Showers and lockers would be located in the basement.
Being centrally located right next door to the Oxford Village Police would enhance cooperation, communication and backup capabilities between the two departments.
‘It will enable us to work together a little more efficiently,? Perry said. ‘I think it’s a very, very strong plus for the community.?
Oxford Twp. Parks and Recreation Director Ron Davis favored the idea of moving the sheriff’s substation into the W. Burdick municipal complex where his department’s office is located.
‘It’s kind of a no-brainer,? Davis said. ‘If you have an asset, why not take advantage of it and put money back into it??
Davis likened it to owning a house versus renting an apartment. With the latter, ‘you’re not building any equity.?
Right now, the township’s paying nearly $35,000 a year in rent and ‘we’re gaining absolutely nothing,? he said.
Lt. Perry’s only concern was he doesn’t want to see the township charge a higher rent than the sheriff’s budget can handle because that could negatively impact the level of services.
‘I don’t want us to not be able to afford the rent and have to look at taking officers off the road,? he said. ‘I want as many police officers on the road as we can have.?
Dunn said the board heard Perry’s concern ‘loud and clear.?
At last week’s village council meeting, Dunn pitched the idea of the move to village officials who responded favorably.
‘I don’t have any problem with that,? said Councilman Tom Benner. ‘I think it would be probably good for you and good for the people.?
Even though the old township hall property is zoned multiple family (RM-2), Manager Joe Young said the sheriff’s substation is an ‘allowable use? and no special approval is required.