Lincoln County approves $63,000 JLG redesign proposal to add state's attorney office space

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on March 11 authorized the chair to sign a JLG architectural proposal, at an engineering cost of $63,000, to redesign shell space adjacent to the state's attorney's office to create additional attorney offices and workspace for investigators.

The proposal was presented by representatives of the state's attorney's office and discussed as a way to accommodate a projected 5% annual caseload increase and provide space for additional investigators. Judy Grohl, representing the state's attorney's office, told commissioners the redesign would “include an update to seek out six additional attorney offices, space for the possibly four investigators” to allow future growth.

The issue prompted debate over courthouse layout and long-range courtroom plans. Commissioners questioned whether the redesign would intrude on planned courtroom space. Drew, the consultant presenting the schematic, said the redesign would use adjacent shell space and would “finish off those judges chambers” while maintaining other courtroom options. Commissioners disagreed about the original building plan; one commissioner said the original plan included courtroom space, while another disputed that recollection.

Public comment focused on cost. Scott Montgomery of Fairview said $63,000 for engineering alone appeared high and asked what total build-out costs might be. County staff told the board a full build-out estimate was not yet available and would come from Henry Carlson after the redesign work proceeds.

Commissioners debated fiscal timing and budget pressures. Commissioner [Arons] (recorded voting No) and Commissioner [Putnam] (No) said existing space could be used without new spending and raised concerns about budget impacts, citing Senate Bill 216 as a looming revenue constraint. Commissioners [Otten], [Schmidt] and [Landin] voted in favor, with supporters saying doing the design work now would be cheaper than delaying while contractors and engineers are already on retainer.

The motion to authorize the chair to sign the JLG proposal passed 3-2. County staff said the engineering fee is $63,000; build-out costs were not specified at the meeting and will be presented later when Henry Carlson provides estimates.

What the board approved was authorization to proceed with the JLG design contract; no construction contract or final build budget was approved at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: The motion passed on a 3-2 roll call: Commissioner Otten — Yes; Commissioner Schmidt — Yes; Commissioner Landin — Yes; Commissioner Arons — No; Commissioner Putnam — No.

The county will receive a formal cost estimate for construction following the redesign, and staff said the board may consider that estimate in a future meeting.