Commissioners sign lease with RPDA, clears way for WSU Extension to move downtown

The Washington State University (WSU) Extension Office previously housed out of the Adams County Courthouse is currently in the process of relocating its office space to Main Avenue in Ritzville. The Adams County Commissioners signed a lease agreement with the Ritzville Public Development Authority (RPDA) for use of office space at 205 West Main Avenue, effective April 1.

The commissioners and the RPDA signed the lease agreement on March 17, with Commissioner Roger Hartwig making the motion with the second provided from Commissioner Jeffrey Stevens. Commissioner John Marshall reiterated his previous disclosure from a December board meeting when he had stated he was an RPDA member at the time the building was purchased. However, at this time, he is no longer a RPDA board member.

The office spaced being leased to the extension office is on the main floor of the Main Avenue building, formerly referred to as the “Ritzville Call Center.” The lease provides the extension office with a large central room, conference room, multiple office spaces, a kitchen area and restrooms.

The commissioners are still determining the use of the office space in the courthouse previously used by the extension office. The initial board decision to relocate the office was due to lack of office space. The initial term of the lease contract lasts until April 1, 2017.

The county is responsible for paying a monthly rental rate of $848 on a quarterly payment schedule, totaling $2,544 per payment.

The tenants are allowed to make improvements at their initial expense, and can be reimbursed for no more $600 per month, but must be accompanied by a statement from the Adams County Auditor explaining the incurred costs.

As a tenant, the extension office is allowed to make alterations and improvements to the space, provided the changes are made in a workmanlike manner and high quality materials are utilized. All of the improvements, additions or replacements are to be made at the tenant’s expense.

The use of the building, according to the lease, is restricted for use by the Ag Cooperative Extension facility office only. The county is not allowed to sublet or assign a portion or all of the space to another agency without prior consent by the RPDA.

Prior to signing the lease agreement, the board discussed with WSU Coordinator Aaron Esser prior that it was their intent to share the space with another department in the future.

The RPDA maintains fire and extended coverage insurance on the building, but the tenant certified it is a member of the Washington Counties Risk Pool, and is covered by the Pool’s Joint Self-Insurance Liability Policy.

In addition to the insurance, the RPDA also pays all charges for water, sewer and garbage, while charges electricity, natural gas, telephone and Internet are paid by the county.