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In a letter to Fort Scott Mayor Gary Bukowski, the Kansas Adjutant General's Department stated that the property, located at 2301 S. Horton St., will return to the City of Fort Scott.
"Following a final clean-up of the facility we will return the Fort Scott Armory to the City in its present condition," Kansas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting said in the letter.
(Michael Pommier/Tribune)
According to Turner, the future of the building is not yet known. He said the Fort Scott Police Department is interested in expanding into the facility and he has also heard suggestions to move City Hall to the vacant building. In addition, he said other people have shown interest in the building.
"There is some interest in it," Turner said.
Turner recommends the Fort Scott City Commission hold public meetings to hear comments and suggestions from the community. The commission would use the public meetings to determine the best use of the facility.
The National Guard Armory was one of 18 National Guard armories statewide that were closed early this year due to state budget cuts. The decision, announced Dec. 11, 2009, to close the facilities and consolidate operations into 38 existing locations resulted from state budget cuts announced in the governor's budget reduction package on Nov. 23, and is necessary for long-term sustainment of armory operations, Bunting said in a statement.
Closing of the 18 armories will eliminate $156,662 from the current fiscal year's operating budgets to meet state requirements and addresses additional cuts for next year's budget for a total of $264,217 for fiscal year 2011. Significant additional savings beyond the $420,000 will result from consolidating operations and no longer maintaining or inspecting the facilities.
In the past, maintenance has been deferred and later made up with millions of dollars in bonds, the statement from Bunting's office said.
Comments
This is a perfect way to solve the space problem caused by the Fire Department and Police Department
both being crammed into a building that was only meant to handle one department. Plenty of parking space for the cruisers as well.
I still think it would be a great location for City Hall. All on one level & plenty of room.
This would make a great home for the Fort Scott City Hall & the Fort Scott Police Department.
I agree with My_2_Cents
I think the idea of putting the police department in the old armory is a great idea. There would be plenty of space, and there is indoor parking for the police cruisers, which is something that they desperately need. The current building they are in is way too crowded. Community members should go in and take a tour sometime to see how little space local officer's have to do their job. It is ridiculous! The fireman have two buildings, one of which is brand new and state of the art. For some reason the police department gets overlooked time and time again for things. These men and women work long hours, are very underpaid, and are away from their families much more than the average person is. I say give them a comfortable facility where they can do their job as effectively as possible. Thank you to the men and women who serve our community everyday, this resident appreciates everything you do for us!
Are you sure we don't need another fire department?