Excitement is building in Guthrie as city leaders and Meridian Technology Center move forward with plans for a state-of-the-art multi-purpose training facility designed to enhance law enforcement and emergency preparedness in the community.
The new facility, to be built on Meridian’s South Campus, represents a major partnership between the two entities and a shared commitment to public safety and professional development.
The Guthrie City Council unanimously approved an interlocal cooperation agreement between the City of Guthrie and Meridian Technology Center for joint participation in the construction and operation of the facility, which will be located at 3025 S. Division Street.
Under this agreement, MTC will design, develop, and construct the facility on its South Campus property. The building will be used by both Meridian and the City for training, emergency preparedness, and related activities.
As part of the agreement, the City and MTC will each contribute up to $1.5 million toward the construction cost of the project. Meridian will manage the design, engineering, and construction process, with the City having the opportunity to review and approve plans.
Guthrie Police Chief Don Sweger wrote and secured a 50-50 matching grant worth nearly $1 million to support the project. The City has pledged an estimated $500,000 in additional funds to be distributed over three years, beginning with the 2024 fiscal year.
City Manager Eddie Faulkner told the council that Meridian Technology Center had identified the need for an additional facility on its south campus and was able to move the project up in its capital improvement plan.
“We approached them and said, ‘Hey, we’ve got an awesome idea for a partnership. There’s classroom space that we already utilize at Meridian Tech for training just like this as it is,’” Faulkner said. “We’d like to enhance that partnership. They’re just a fantastic partner for the community, and they were happy to partner and wanted to see this come to fruition.”
The City will have access to the facility for police, fire, and emergency management training, which will be coordinated through Meridian’s South Campus Director. Each party will maintain its own liability insurance and be responsible for any damages caused during its use of the facility.
The agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2026, with the option for renewal upon mutual consent.
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