Sedgwick County Commissioners have voted not to move forward with the purchase of an existing building in downtown Wichita for administrative offices. They instead will continue to look at constructing a new building.
The county was looking at buying the Murfin Building at 250 North Water and converting it for use for the County Commission, Clerk, Treasurer and other offices. The cost of the purchase would be almost $7.8 million.
Commissioner Jim Howell said the Murfin Building is in the right location, it is the right size and it is the right price and he believes it’s the best deal for taxpayers. County Treasurer Brandi Baily and County Clerk Kelly Arnold said they had concerns about the age of the building and whether it would be suitable for future needs. They said a new building could be constructed to fit the needs of county departments.
Commissioner David Dennis said a new building can address factors such as the layout and how to make a building environmentally cost-effective. He said solar power, insulation and other features can be added to a new building to make it more cost effective in the future.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to reject the purchase of the Murfin Building, with Howell voting no.
