CLERMONT -- It's no secret Lake County is growing, and officials said it is growing at a rapid rate.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office says it's hard keeping up these days, especially in the south end of the county, where they say they don't have enough presence.
Right now, the Lake County Sheriff's Office has a sub-station in downtown Clermont, but officials say that is not enough. The southern end of the county is growing, so they are hoping to expand their operations, giving the area more presence from the department.
The plan is buy a former car dealership off state road 50. Lake County commissioners have been working for months to get a deal off the ground and say it would cost about $5.8 million to secure the property to make this expansion happen.
However, recent budget cuts are causing financial strains for the county.
So far, $3.5 million has been set aside for the project but according to county manager, Cindy Hall, it may be tough trying to round up the additional $2.3 million.
County officials are hoping to ask for an extension on this expansion deal, an additional month to figure out payment options. If this does not work, the county stands to lose out on a $100,000 deposit they placed to secure the land.
When and if this expansion project gets underway, officials plan to incorporate that land, along with two buildings on the property, into Sheriff's Office operations.
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