Commission authorizes up to $20,000 assessment of old jail building to scope repairs and reuse options

Grand Forks County commissioners approved a not‑to‑exceed $20,000 contract July 1 for an assessment of the old jail and youth assessment center to determine the facility’s condition and options for reuse.

County staff said the assessment from AD2S will evaluate electrical service, plumbing, HVAC, ADA accessibility and other systems and provide a clearer cost estimate for possible renovations or phased reuse. County staff recommended doing the assessment for the entire facility so future planning documents and capital‑improvement schedules reflect realistic costs.

Commissioners questioned whether the scope should be limited to the portion of the building that county staff currently use; several commissioners and staff argued a whole‑building assessment would be more efficient and avoid repeat site visits. Commissioner discussion noted that a full assessment would still not produce construction documents but would provide the “bones” of what work—service upgrades, roof, structural items—would be required.

The motion to award the assessment, with a not‑to‑exceed fee of $20,000, passed on a voice vote. County staff said the assessment would be funded from the capital improvements budget and would be used to craft any follow‑up design or RFP work if the commission chooses to proceed.