International Falls council approves design work for Kutaska building amid public concern over costs and transparency

The International Falls City Council voted to proceed with design and construction services for renovating the Kutaska Building to house the city police department, approving Kraus Anderson to lead the project after a lengthy public comment period and council debate.

The council approved a motion to retain Kraus Anderson for design and construction services for the Kutaska Building; the motion was made by Councilor Holden and seconded by Councilor Wagner and passed by a 4-1 vote. The motion directs staff to advance design work and cost estimates through project completion so the council can consider final costs and next steps.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment and discussion. Multiple residents expressed concern about the project’s price, its effect on taxpayers and small businesses, and whether the police department could instead return to or remain in existing county space known as the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) or continue leasing at Backus. Susan Wodiga, a resident who said she had forwarded emails to city and county officials, described building problems she has observed…