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Beltrami County weighs costly remodel or leasing for former jail building
Summary
Commissioners discussed options for the county'owned jail building, including expensive remodeling to reuse the structure or vacating it and entering the leasing market; staff will get cost estimates to guide a July decision.
Beltrami County commissioners discussed whether to invest in a major remodel of the county jail building or vacate and seek private tenants, a decision county leaders said will hinge on cost estimates expected this summer.
Commissioner Carlson told the board the facility condition assessment by Carl Sanderson rated the building in "fair" condition but said structural constraints and the location of mechanical systems make reuse difficult. "One of the biggest challenges of that building over there is that all of the mechanical and electrical stuff is sort of way over on the south side of the building... it's sort of a nightmare," Carlson said.
The discussion centered on whether the county should become a landlord. "Do we, as a county, wanna be in the leasing business, or do we wanna leave that to private businesses?" Carlson asked, saying that saving the building would mean entering the leasing and restoration business.
Commissioners described work by consultant Clyde McCarthy to outline possible footprints and by Carl Sanderson to assess costs. A board member said Administrator Barry indicated staff expect to present "three different options" with numbers likely in July that will show whether remodeling fits the county's sales-tax budget.
Commissioners raised practical constraints from the building's interior layout, such as fixed columns and security fixtures, that limit possible reuses and raise remodeling costs. Carlson said the next step is for Sanderson to put numbers to the concepts McCarthy developed so the board can evaluate which option is the best use of county funds.
No formal motion or vote on the building's future was taken during the meeting. The board did not decide to pursue leasing, demolition or a full remodel; instead, members directed staff and consultants to return with cost estimates and options for formal consideration.
Planning and budgeting for the building's future will be tied to the county's capital and sales-tax revenue decisions; commissioners said they expect to use those figures when weighing options later this year.
