MUD Board approves sale of HQ building to county

The Metropolitan Utilities District put the wheels in motion Wednesday morning to sell its current headquarters building to Douglas County for $6 million.

There are still additional steps to the process but the MUD Board voted 6-0 Wednesday in favor of the sale.

Part of what the county has in mind for the Harney Street property is expansion of the courthouse but as Commissioner Clare Duda said earlier, "quite likely we'll have a juvenile detention center as part of the project."

“This is the first step, but a key step, in helping us begin the process of changing the quality of life for children and families in Douglas County,” said Douglas County Commissioner Chris Rodgers. “I want to thank MUD for partnering with us on this project and for their courage to see what this project means for the future of Douglas County residents.”

The county’s $6 million offer covers land, MUD’s 45,000-square-foot office building, annex and parking. County officials have agreed to keep the original MUD building in place for at least 50 years.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of the MUD board’s decision to move forward in partnership with us,” said Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson. “I am excited to continue defining our Justice Center plan so that we can better serve our citizens, our youth and our families in Douglas County.”

The next Douglas County Board of Commissioners meeting will be Jan. 8, 2019.