(Seguin) — There may just be a new option when it comes to saving time and possibly money during the construction of the new Guadalupe County Development Center.
Guadalupe County Commissioners have begun discussing the possible relocation of the road and bridge plus environmental health departments to the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Outpatient Center during the construction of the new facility at the road and bridge’s current location on North Guadalupe Street.
Commissioner Pct. 2 Drew Engelke says what was not an option before is now a possibility for the county to consider.
“When we looked at different construction trailers, bringing things in, it just wasn’t cost effective. So, we chose to go with the current plan which is to build around the current facility while it is still in operations and recently, we came up with some logistical issues on site. It’s a construction site. Nothing we couldn’t overcome but overall, just wanted to look at another avenue. So, I have met with the county engineer. I’ve met with all of the departments in relation to this possible move. The other reason I’m looking at in relation to the project is we did it for the Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 construction project. GRMC was kind enough to give us a really good deal on utilizing their facility so as I said at the time, when we started this project, that really wasn’t an option for us. With JP 1 now moving out in the next couple of weeks. I believe that is still happening, we now have this avenue to possibly move into part of that facility to do our environmental health, road and bridge operations,” said Engelke.
Engelke says he can see exactly how relocating these departments will prove beneficial.
“We are looking at overall a time savings for the project. Initially, the building of the new facility on site and then moving everyone over from the current location and then starting Phase 2 of the operation on construction would then include the demolition and the parking lot and all the facilities that are required for mainly the public parking lot. So, as I stand out in the construction site now that it is actually happening and some of the operations that are daily — you can put things on paper but at the end of the day, it comes down to the daily operations of road and bridge. They are constantly in and out, so we are going to be limited in the future with some of our parking if we continue on the current path. So, this option, we did it with JP 1 but it would expedite that process much faster and then in the long run, it would be a cost savings. I don’t have a definite number on that savings, but time would be of the essence also,” said Engelke.
Logistical concerns of course include access to the public. However, Commissioner Pct. 1 Greg Seidenberger, who has overseen the building of the JP 1 office, says the GRMC facility has more than provided enough safe spaces and parking for customers and believes it would be a wise move for all concerned.
Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher also publicly thanked GRMC for being a great partner with the county in its use of the space at a minimal cost to taxpayers.
Action to relocate the county departments is expected to be made during the court’s next regularly scheduled meeting set for Tuesday, Aug. 30.