Commissioners vote to lease River building

Jefferson County commissioners voted 2-1 to lease the The River building on Main Street in Boulder during an evening meeting at Volunteer Hall on Tuesday, April 11.

The six-month, $3,000 a month lease agreement begins May 1 and buys the county time to select the Public Health Department’s next home. Commissioners are awaiting feasibility studies for both The River building and Cottage Five on the south campus of the former Montana Developmental Center – a 10,782 square-foot building that could possibly serve as a wellness center. The completion of the Cottage Five feasibility study is expected on Sept. 1.

The decision to lease The River came after an hour-long community discussion and a rare substitute motion by commissioner Bob Mullen, trumping the original motion not to lease The River made by commissioner Dan Hagerty. Hagerty voted against the substitute motion. Commission Chair Cory Kirsch voted in favor.