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Commission tables engagement letter to study bond for new jail
Summary
County counsel's engagement letter to prepare a bond schedule and costs for a potential new jail was tabled until the next meeting so absent commissioners can participate.
The commission voted to table an engagement letter from outside counsel that would develop a bond schedule and cost estimate for a proposed new jail or a multicounty bonding arrangement. The engagement letter would have compensated counsel at $350 per hour; commissioners said the work would inform whether Ramsey County pursues a general obligation bond or a multi‑county joint bond for a jail project.
County staff described the engagement letter as a preliminary step to identify the deadlines and processes needed to place a bond question on the ballot. Staff noted that changes to the Century Code and election timing constrain when a bond could appear on a ballot and that counsel's fees could either be included in bond proceeds if a bond is issued or paid out of county funds if the commission decides not to proceed. Commissioners agreed to table the item until Commissioner Jeff (not present) could participate; the motion to table carried by voice vote.
Commission discussion noted the urgency of beginning planning if the commission wanted a bond question before primary or general election deadlines, but several commissioners preferred to wait for the absent commissioner before incurring counsel costs.
