Commissioners direct county attorney to draft lease for law enforcement center space with city of International Falls

The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 voted to direct the county attorney to draft a lease between the county and the City of International Falls for space in the county’s law enforcement center. The board’s direction lays out draft terms to deliver to the city for review but does not finalize a binding lease.

Under the board’s summary direction, the draft lease should propose $50,000 per year in rent for two years (with annual rent increases thereafter tied to the Consumer Price Index); a 50/50 split of an estimated $160,000 cost to refurbish the first-floor space; use of the entire first floor, three garage bays and shared basement space for the police department; designated south-side parking spaces; and exterior signage at the city’s expense. The county would retain responsibility for building upkeep, utilities and groundskeeping; the lease would exclude phone, internet and information-technology support, which the city would handle itself. The draft should include a one-year out clause and a first right of refusal for the county if it considers selling the building while the lease is active.

Commissioner Roach moved the direction and Commissioner Nel seconded. The board discussed that the draft lease will be provided to the city for review and that final approval would return to the board for action. “It may get changed or there may be a different offering there that we have to consider. So definitely, we'll come back before final approval,” the chair said after the motion.

The transcript records the motion carrying on a voice vote with no recorded dissent. The board noted the city council may propose adjustments, including to the two-year fixed rent and the scope of first-floor occupancy, and agreed the draft should be reviewed by both parties before any final agreement.