New Public Services Facilities

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New Combined Police and Public Works building will improve community services by enhancing operations of both departments

As the needs of the Basalt community continue to evolve, so must the services that support it. From safe streets and reliable infrastructure to responsive, professional policing, the Town is committed to delivering high-quality public services now and into the future.

To support this commitment, the Basalt Town Council has made it a priority to develop a new Public Services Facility that brings the Police and Public Works departments together under one roof. Both departments play a critical role in daily life delivering essential services, yet their current buildings fall short of modern standards for safety and efficiency.

Basalt is now in the planning phase to conceive, design, and eventually build the new facility. Once complete, it will strengthen service delivery, improve safety, and increase efficiency for residents, businesses, and visitors.


Current Facilities

Basalt’s Police Department operates within a shared office space with non-Town businesses that was never designed for law enforcement. Officers work in tight quarters without dedicated areas for interviews, investigations, or evidence handling. The facility also lacks secure parking for patrol vehicles, appropriate space for detainee processing, and sufficient room for emergency operations. These limitations affect not only efficiency, but also privacy, safety and the overall experience for members of the public seeking assistance.

Public Works operates under similarly challenging conditions. Staff and equipment are dispersed across five locations, including temporary structures that have exceeded their useful life. This fragmentation makes daily operations less efficient—adding travel time for staff between sites, increasing fuel costs, and slowing coordination during emergencies and routine service. Equipment is also frequently stored outdoors, where exposure to weather leads to faster deterioration and higher long-term costs.


Future Public Services Facility

Because both departments require new facilities, constructing a single building is a more efficient use of public funds. A shared facility avoids duplicating spaces and amenities, reducing overall costs while meeting the needs of both Police and Public Works. Bringing these teams together in a purpose-built space will streamline operations, improve coordination, and create a safer, more functional environment for employees and the public.

Police and Public Works already work closely on public safety issues, and co-location will strengthen that partnership. The Town’s infrastructure plays a critical role in community safety, and having both departments in one place will improve coordination during emergencies such as traffic incidents, utility disruptions, wildfires, and floods—especially when roadway management is essential.

The two departments also collaborate on community events, including Basalt’s concerts and gatherings. Sharing a facility will enhance day-to-day communication, support stronger working relationships, and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation over time.

For residents, this means more responsive services, better-maintained infrastructure and a more professional and welcoming experience when interacting with Town staff.

The Police Department’s portion of the facility is designed with both service and community in mind. It will provide clearly defined public spaces, private areas for sensitive conversations and secure zones for evidence and operations. A dedicated community room will create new opportunities for engagement, education and connection between officers and residents.

Specific design considerations for the new police area will include:

  • A safe, welcoming, and accessible place to report incidents or seek help
  • Private spaces for victims and sensitive conversations
  • Secure areas for evidence, investigations and detainee processing
  • A community room to strengthen relationships between officers and residents
  • Secure police vehicle storage and safe access to the police facility

A centralized Public Works facility will allow for proper storage, efficient deployment of equipment and improved maintenance practices These improvements would help protect taxpayer investments in Basalt’s streets, parks, infrastructure, and maintenance fleet over the long term.

A new, centralized facility for Public Works will:

  • Improve efficiency and response times
  • Provide proper storage and maintenance for equipment
  • Extend the life of town-owned vehicles and assets
  • Reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs


Proposed Location


Basalt is planning to place the facility on Town-owned land on the west side of Highway 82, approximately halfway between downtown Basalt and Willits. Both parcels off Original Road – 20522 and 20526 Highway 82 – represent the proposed site. This location offers improved access to both areas of Town, better separation of public and secure areas, and enhanced traffic flow with primary and secondary/emergency points. It also provides space for future expansion as community needs evolve.

The proposed town-owned site offers:

  • Easy access to both sides of Basalt
  • Improved traffic flow and emergency response routes
  • Separation of public and secure areas
  • Room for expansion as the community grows

Project Funding

The proposed Public Services Facility is estimated to cost $25 million to build, with $7 million funded from Town of Basalt reserves. The remaining $18 million may be financed over time, similar to how a homeowner finances a long-term investment.

Basalt does not have enough reserves or other tax revenue to fund this project outright. A dedicated sales tax will allow the Town to move forward with timely construction and completion while spreading costs over time Because the facility is expected to serve the community for 20 years or longer, financing it—like a mortgage for a home—is a practical and smart way to manage long-term public investment.

The cost estimate was developed by Basalt contractors Wold Architects and Engineers based on space standards and operational needs. The original study was conducted in 2023 following a 2022 land purchase. Council gave direction to revise the study at its January 23, 2024, meeting, which was presented on December 9, 2025. The $25 million is an estimate that will continue to be refined through the ongoing design and entitlement process.

Basalt is considering a 0.5% sales tax—equivalent to half a cent for every one dollar of a purchase—to fund the project as well as long-term operation and maintenance of the facility.. With a dedicated revenue source, Basalt would be able to borrow the remaining funds to complete the project at favorable market rates supported by its strong credit rating.

Even with this proposed increase, Basalt’s total sales tax rate would remain lower than neighboring communities like Aspen and Carbondale. Unlike property tax sales tax is also paid by visitors reducing the burden on local residents while ensuring those who enjoy our community contribute to funding its essential services.


Next Steps

Town Council has not yet decided whether to place a sales tax question on a future ballot for voter approval. If approved by voters, it would be subject to annual independent audits published on the Town’s website and could only be used to build, operate and maintain the Public Services Facility.

Basalt Council recently selected Wold Architects & Engineers as the team to design, engineer, and work on the entitlement process for the project. They will work closely with the staff throughout the design phase and will also conduct public engagement which is a key part of the planning process. The Town is seeking broad community input to ensure residents have a direct voice in shaping both the facility and how it may be funded.

Please follow this link to take the anonymous survey. Thanks for your input.


New Combined Police and Public Works building will improve community services by enhancing operations of both departments

As the needs of the Basalt community continue to evolve, so must the services that support it. From safe streets and reliable infrastructure to responsive, professional policing, the Town is committed to delivering high-quality public services now and into the future.

To support this commitment, the Basalt Town Council has made it a priority to develop a new Public Services Facility that brings the Police and Public Works departments together under one roof. Both departments play a critical role in daily life delivering essential services, yet their current buildings fall short of modern standards for safety and efficiency.

Basalt is now in the planning phase to conceive, design, and eventually build the new facility. Once complete, it will strengthen service delivery, improve safety, and increase efficiency for residents, businesses, and visitors.


Current Facilities

Basalt’s Police Department operates within a shared office space with non-Town businesses that was never designed for law enforcement. Officers work in tight quarters without dedicated areas for interviews, investigations, or evidence handling. The facility also lacks secure parking for patrol vehicles, appropriate space for detainee processing, and sufficient room for emergency operations. These limitations affect not only efficiency, but also privacy, safety and the overall experience for members of the public seeking assistance.

Public Works operates under similarly challenging conditions. Staff and equipment are dispersed across five locations, including temporary structures that have exceeded their useful life. This fragmentation makes daily operations less efficient—adding travel time for staff between sites, increasing fuel costs, and slowing coordination during emergencies and routine service. Equipment is also frequently stored outdoors, where exposure to weather leads to faster deterioration and higher long-term costs.


Future Public Services Facility

Because both departments require new facilities, constructing a single building is a more efficient use of public funds. A shared facility avoids duplicating spaces and amenities, reducing overall costs while meeting the needs of both Police and Public Works. Bringing these teams together in a purpose-built space will streamline operations, improve coordination, and create a safer, more functional environment for employees and the public.

Police and Public Works already work closely on public safety issues, and co-location will strengthen that partnership. The Town’s infrastructure plays a critical role in community safety, and having both departments in one place will improve coordination during emergencies such as traffic incidents, utility disruptions, wildfires, and floods—especially when roadway management is essential.

The two departments also collaborate on community events, including Basalt’s concerts and gatherings. Sharing a facility will enhance day-to-day communication, support stronger working relationships, and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation over time.

For residents, this means more responsive services, better-maintained infrastructure and a more professional and welcoming experience when interacting with Town staff.

The Police Department’s portion of the facility is designed with both service and community in mind. It will provide clearly defined public spaces, private areas for sensitive conversations and secure zones for evidence and operations. A dedicated community room will create new opportunities for engagement, education and connection between officers and residents.

Specific design considerations for the new police area will include:

  • A safe, welcoming, and accessible place to report incidents or seek help
  • Private spaces for victims and sensitive conversations
  • Secure areas for evidence, investigations and detainee processing
  • A community room to strengthen relationships between officers and residents
  • Secure police vehicle storage and safe access to the police facility

A centralized Public Works facility will allow for proper storage, efficient deployment of equipment and improved maintenance practices These improvements would help protect taxpayer investments in Basalt’s streets, parks, infrastructure, and maintenance fleet over the long term.

A new, centralized facility for Public Works will:

  • Improve efficiency and response times
  • Provide proper storage and maintenance for equipment
  • Extend the life of town-owned vehicles and assets
  • Reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs


Proposed Location


Basalt is planning to place the facility on Town-owned land on the west side of Highway 82, approximately halfway between downtown Basalt and Willits. Both parcels off Original Road – 20522 and 20526 Highway 82 – represent the proposed site. This location offers improved access to both areas of Town, better separation of public and secure areas, and enhanced traffic flow with primary and secondary/emergency points. It also provides space for future expansion as community needs evolve.

The proposed town-owned site offers:

  • Easy access to both sides of Basalt
  • Improved traffic flow and emergency response routes
  • Separation of public and secure areas
  • Room for expansion as the community grows

Project Funding

The proposed Public Services Facility is estimated to cost $25 million to build, with $7 million funded from Town of Basalt reserves. The remaining $18 million may be financed over time, similar to how a homeowner finances a long-term investment.

Basalt does not have enough reserves or other tax revenue to fund this project outright. A dedicated sales tax will allow the Town to move forward with timely construction and completion while spreading costs over time Because the facility is expected to serve the community for 20 years or longer, financing it—like a mortgage for a home—is a practical and smart way to manage long-term public investment.

The cost estimate was developed by Basalt contractors Wold Architects and Engineers based on space standards and operational needs. The original study was conducted in 2023 following a 2022 land purchase. Council gave direction to revise the study at its January 23, 2024, meeting, which was presented on December 9, 2025. The $25 million is an estimate that will continue to be refined through the ongoing design and entitlement process.

Basalt is considering a 0.5% sales tax—equivalent to half a cent for every one dollar of a purchase—to fund the project as well as long-term operation and maintenance of the facility.. With a dedicated revenue source, Basalt would be able to borrow the remaining funds to complete the project at favorable market rates supported by its strong credit rating.

Even with this proposed increase, Basalt’s total sales tax rate would remain lower than neighboring communities like Aspen and Carbondale. Unlike property tax sales tax is also paid by visitors reducing the burden on local residents while ensuring those who enjoy our community contribute to funding its essential services.


Next Steps

Town Council has not yet decided whether to place a sales tax question on a future ballot for voter approval. If approved by voters, it would be subject to annual independent audits published on the Town’s website and could only be used to build, operate and maintain the Public Services Facility.

Basalt Council recently selected Wold Architects & Engineers as the team to design, engineer, and work on the entitlement process for the project. They will work closely with the staff throughout the design phase and will also conduct public engagement which is a key part of the planning process. The Town is seeking broad community input to ensure residents have a direct voice in shaping both the facility and how it may be funded.

Please follow this link to take the anonymous survey. Thanks for your input.


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    Please follow this link to take the anonymous survey.  Thanks for your input.

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Page last updated: 29 Apr 2026, 11:45 AM