By Sonja Kosler
Staff Writer
The City of Ottertail is another step closer to hosting a sheriffs department substation.
At their March 28 meeting, Otter Tail County Commissioners authorized the purchase of nearly 10 acres of land at a price of about $50,000. The agricultural land is southeast of the intersection of Highway 108 and County Road 55.
Otter Tail County officials have long been exploring the substation as a means to relieve crowding at the Fergus Falls facility while improving services to the eastern portion of the county. An Ottertail site was chosen because of its central location within the county and because of the projected growth for the area.
ADVERTISEMENT
In addition to the land acquisition, Commissioners also approved completion of a schematic design for the proposed patrol center. Sheriff Brian Schlueter and other county officials are working with Minneapolis architect David Schultz to design the 25,000 square-foot building.
The substation would be a permanent home for at least one Otter Tail County Sheriffs Deputy. The center would also include facilities for training, evidence processing, and transfer of detainees. Emergency services could also find a home at the central location.
Schultz says no costs or timeline have yet been attached to the project. The next step is completion of the design and then back to the County Commissioners for design and financial approval.
