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County, state to remodel courthouse space; adult felony probation to move back to courthouse with $150,000 state fit-up contribution
Summary
Board approved a plan to relocate adult felony probation back to the courthouse, move juvenile probation into the Family Service Center's Suite 201, and accept $150,000 from the Department of Corrections to remodel a hearing room into probation space; Gertz Construction awarded northeast fit-up project as construction manager at risk.
The Clay County Board approved a multi-part Justice Center plan on May 6 that reconfigures county probation offices to improve connections between the courts and probation services and accepts state funding to retrofit courthouse space.
Plan overview: County staff proposed moving juvenile probation back to Suite 201 of the Family Service Center (a prior location) and consolidating adult felony probation in renovated space on the courthouse's First Floor. The Minnesota Department of Corrections will provide $150,000 to help convert Hearing Room 5 into office space that would accommodate adult felony probation's offices (four offices and a private bathroom). County staff said moving adult felony probation closer to the courthouse would streamline the post-sentencing reporting process and reduce barriers for those required to report to probation.
Leases and revenue: The plan includes terminating the Clay County HRA lease (Suite 201 tenant) effective Sept. 29, 2025, leasing Suite 201 of the Family Service Center to juvenile probation starting Nov. 1, 2025, and leasing the Northeast and South wings of the courthouse First Floor to adult felony probation starting Nov. 1, 2025. County staff provided numbers showing the state lease of the First Floor would generate revenue (combined estimate $66,027.48) and that HRA currently pays $38,225 annually.
Construction procurement: Gertz Construction submitted a proposal to perform the First Floor northeast fit-up for $146,079.71; the board approved Gertz as construction manager-at-risk and authorized the fit-up contract. Joel (county facilities/building committee staff) and Dale (probation) described operational benefits and broad support for the plan from the county attorney and building committee.
Vote and motion: Commissioner Evers moved a combined motion that (1) terminate the HRA lease effective Sept. 29, 2025; (2) lease Suite 201 to juvenile probation starting Nov. 1, 2025; (3) lease courthouse First-Floor wings to adult felony probation starting Nov. 1, 2025; and (4) approve Gertz Construction's Northeast fit-up proposal for $146,079.71 with Gertz acting as contractor-at-risk. Commissioner Bair seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote.
What this changes: The move places adult felony probation adjacent to courtrooms, which probation and county attorney staff said will streamline immediate post-sentencing processes and coordination for warrants, law enforcement and defense. Juvenile probation will return to a previously configured Suite 201 at the Family Service Center; staff said no new fit-up was required there. County staff will finalize lease terminations and state agreements to accept and use the $150,000 DOC contribution.
