BOZEMAN, Mont. – Bozeman voters have approved a $37 million Public Safety Center, which will house city police, fire, municipal courts, and victim services.
“We are really grateful for the community support and strong show of support we saw on election day, and we are excited about the project,” said Bozeman Police Chief Steve Crawford.
Both the county and the city have been trying to pass a new project to fill the community’s public safety needs. Crawford said his co-workers are anxious to get out of the current Law & Justice Center.
“We have been in there 24 years, so more than the career of an officer we have been in a deficient space. And we have obviously outgrown that space and it was also never designed for what we are using it for,” said Crawford. “So we are really excited about being able to do our jobs in a facility that was designed for that.”
The new facility will be located on city-owned property, on Rouse Avenue in betweenTamarack Street and Oak Street.
“Super excited that we are going to get this facility,” said Fire Chief Joshua Waldo. “We are thankful for the support of the community. It addresses one of our needs for many, many decades to come so we can continue to provide this high level of service that our citizens deserve and expect.”
Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin has been vocal saying he doesn’t think the separation of county and city law enforcement is best for the community. Now that the voters have made their decision, however, he is happy for Crawford.
“You know, disappointed obviously because I wanted us to stay together, but mixed feelings,” said Gootkin. “I am happy for him and for the fire folks and the courts. I thought it was pretty impressive that the city voters cared enough about them to take care of them.”
The county commissioners said they are working on a project of their own and expect for it to roll out soon.
