By COLLIN BREAUX
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office has officially relocated their headquarters.
The HCSO administrative office is now at 1173 East Highway 90 in the old agricultural center, the agency announced on Facebook. They have left behind their old center at 211 North Oklahoma Street.
The North Oklahoma Street location may still be occupied by another law enforcement entity, however.
The Bonifay Police Department has expressed interest in moving into the office. A lease agreement will be sent to the Bonifay City Council for consideration and potentially approved by the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners at a future meeting, should the city sign off on the agreement.
Bonifay city and police officials noted their desire to use the former HCSO office during a Holmes County Commission meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The BPD, along with the city’s fire department, is currently at 809 South Waukesha Street.
‘We’d just appreciate y’alls consideration,’ Bonifay City Clerk Rickey Callahan said.
Should the two parties come to an agreement, the move for the BPD could happen this December or January of next year, Callahan said.
County Commissioner Clint Erickson said the proposal is a ‘win-win.’
County Administrator David Corbin said there is ‘never enough space’ for agencies.
‘We have to work together and sometimes, to use the old cliche, robbing Peter to pay Paul,’ Corbin said. ‘I’d like to recommend to the board that we work with the city to keep our working relationship going.’
The preliminary lease being sent to the City of Bonifay will be on a year-to-year basis.
Bonifay Police Chief Johnny Whitaker said a month-to-month lease is ‘not feasible’ due to having to move over evidence and other items.
Garett Valcourt