Lake County Gazette

The Village of Libertyville is moving forward with plans to replace its police station, which was originally built in 1968. The new facility aims to address both current and future needs for law enforcement in the community.

In 2021, the Village hired an architect to conduct a facility needs assessment. This study identified deficiencies in the existing building, recommended space requirements, and provided a preliminary budget estimate. The project was subsequently added to the Village’s capital improvement plan in 2022.

Currently, the Fire & Police Committee of the Village Board is reviewing details related to building size, project cost, and possible locations for the new station. The committee plans to present its recommendations to the full Village Board later in 2024. If approved by the board, construction could begin as early as 2025 or 2026.

To fund this initiative, Libertyville has set aside revenue from a dedicated half-percent local sales tax that began in 2022. This tax generates about $1.6 million each year for a New Building Fund designated for improvements like the police station project. Revenue from selling properties at the Libertyville Sports Complex has also been allocated to support construction costs. This funding approach is intended "to remove the burden of a new police station from local property taxpayers."

At an October 8, 2024 meeting, the Village Board approved an agreement with CCS International for owner’s representative services on this project. Later, on April 8, 2025, FGM Architects was selected under a $2,435,000 contract to design the new police station after being interviewed through a qualifications-based selection process.

Opportunities for public engagement will be available as planning continues.