JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The city council is now considering a proposal to move the Supervisor of Elections offices from the Gateway Mall into part of the first floor of One Imeson Industrial Park.
"We would build the space to their exact needs versus refurbishing their space," said Senior Vice President of the Phoenix Realty Group, Ladson Montgomery.
Under the 10-year contract, the city would pay $39,999.96 in the first year for maintenance costs. The amount would go up to $260,199.96 in the second year. The cost would go up three-percent every year after that.
"Gateway was built as a retail center," said Montgomery. "This building is a distribution operation center so it's ideal for a situation like the Supervisor of Elections."
"As for the use of the facility, both would work for election offices," said Duval County Supervisor of Elections, Jerry Holland. "It really comes down now to what is the best value."
There is also another proposal to keep the center at the Gateway Mall. The landlord is willing to cut the rent in half to about $25,000 a month. But the city doesn't know the exact terms of that lease yet.
"Who has got to maintain what's in the building? That will determine who has the best deal," said Holland.
One Imeson is willing pay for all of the construction and moving expenses. Right now their overall offer would save taxpayers more than $630,000 dollars. "The ball is in the city council's court," said Montgomery.
"When those leases are completed, and we finish negotiating with the landlords, we can really see the final cost," said Holland.
The Supervisor of elections expects the city to make a decision in about 30 days. Holland hopes to be settled somewhere in time for next year's election.
