police department in durango, colorado, wants to leave more than 50 year-old building for new headquarters

Trying to move out of the same location they have been in since John F. Kennedy was president, the Durango Police Department is hoping to secure enough funds to build a modern and considerably larger headquarters elsewhere.

Currently located at 990 E. 2nd Avenue in a 15,000 square-foot, mostly one-story structure, the department has announced plans for the construction of a 45,000 square foot structure that would provide additional office, training area, and juvenile detention space.

In August members of the Durango City Council voted to put on this November’s ballot a question calling for a 5.4 percent mills property tax, as well as a half cent increase in the local sales tax, that would generate the $19 million needed to build the new station.

In a column for the Durango Herald, Mayor Sweetie Marbury endorsed the ballot proposals, noting that “closets have become offices” in the current station.

“It’s a maze of walls and doors that is inefficient and ineffective,” the Mayor added.

City officials say a site for the new station has not yet been selected and will be determined later, depending upon the results of the election.

By Garry Boulard

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