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County says second bond likely pushed later; old jail condition assessment to guide reuse options
Summary
County administration reported progress on the new jail project, a building-condition assessment for the existing jail and updated bond timing that could delay a second bond issuance until late this year; officials said further analysis will inform reuse or demolition options for the old facility.
County administrative staff told the commissioners that permitting and inspections for the new jail project are progressing and that the project’s preconstruction phase has reached its not-to-exceed amount. County staff said they are continuing work on building-code questions and reviewing a draft development agreement from the City of Bemidji.
The county said it will conduct a building-condition assessment of the existing (old) jail in two phases: an initial systems and infrastructure evaluation by KA, followed by programming and reuse analysis by KMA, the county’s architect for the new jail. Officials said they are considering three main options for the old jail: full demolition, partial demolition with reconstruction/rehabilitation, or full rehabilitation; detailed recommendations are expected after the assessments, possibly by late spring or early summer.
Financial updates reported that current sales-tax collections and revised spend-rate calculations reduce near-term pressure for a second bond issuance. County staff now estimate they may not need a second bond until later this year, which could lower interest costs. The county also said it has completed much of the preconstruction billing and expects project-related expenditures to continue through April.
County staff said a tentative schedule is shaping up for the Bemidji capital event around March 4 with a backup date of March 12. No formal board action was recorded during the update.
