Commissioners approve jail roof work, sally-port wiring and additional sheriff pay as county readies new correctional center

Grand Forks County commissioners voted to repair leaking sections of the county jail’s roof, approve a hardwired control for the courthouse sally port and add $8,000 to a previously approved sheriff pay increase as officials said they are preparing to open a new correctional center.

The actions matter because the county is aiming to begin operations at the new correctional facility around July 1; commissioners said roof failures, secure drop-off access and staffing are immediate constraints to that timeline.

Commissioners approved two roofing bids covering the boiler/mechanical area above the former juvenile detention space and the balance of the jail roof. County staff and commissioners described visible damage and water infiltration; one speaker calculated an estimated additional insulation-replacement cost of about $4.25 per square foot for wet insulation, and staff said some line items will be added if insulation is found damp when the roof is opened. The motion to move forward with the roofing work passed unanimously.

Facilities staff also presented options to restore a…