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County commissioners last week approved a step which could move the sheriff’s and health departments to the Boyles Furniture building on Farmington Road at I-40.

Manager John Eller said the county has been studying options for the space-strapped agencies for months, adding that a long-term lease on the 68,250 square foot building could save the county money, and give it time to pay off existing debt without raising taxes.

“We have identified a location that would provide almost the exact square footage we’re looking for,” he said. The move would put the agencies closer to the center of the county, and  free up space for other needs at their current locations.

The move, and its costs, must first be approved by the state, and last week’s resolutions adopted by the board gives staff the authority to move forward with the project. If it works out, the county could begin to move into the building at the beginning of next year.

County Attorney Ed Vogler said negotiations with building owners should be complete in two or three months. Lease specifics will be complete by that time, giving commissioners more information before making a final decision.

There was a public hearing on adopting the resolutions, and no one spoke.