Anoka County commissioner outlines $250 million jail plan, warns of possible tax impacts

Anoka County Commissioner (name not specified in the record) told the Oak Grove City Council on Monday that county officials have approved a phased plan to build a new jail on county-owned property downtown and a replacement parking ramp, and that the project could cost roughly $250 million.

The commissioner said construction of the parking ramp must occur before the new jail can be built. County staff estimate the combined project — parking ramp, jail and related site work — could total near $250 million. The county plans to finance the project by issuing bonds spread over multiple decades, the commissioner said, and noted the county has paid down substantial existing debt to improve its borrowing position.

Why it matters: The county official warned the project will be a major bond issue and will likely affect local property taxes when bonds are issued. The commissioner described the price increase from delays and rising construction costs, and said residents should expect a meaningful levy impact when the county moves forward.

Details of the plan and schedule - Site and sequencing: County leaders intend to build a new parking ramp on land the county purchased near Fourth and Jackson, then remove an aging ramp adjacent to the existing jail. The new jail would be constructed on the footprint created once the old ramp is removed. The county also owns land across Van Buren that is part of the multi‑phase plan. - Timeline: The parking ramp is hoped to begin next year and is expected to take about 18 months. The county projects the jail will follow after the ramp is complete; the commissioner estimated a multi‑year timeline that could see significant tax impact during the late 2020s, but said exact start dates depend on permit timing and coordination with the City of Anoka. - Capacity and classification: County officials are still determining the appropriate number of beds. The commissioner said the sheriff’s office runs the jail and the board funds construction; classification needs have changed since the facility opened in the 1980s and modern jails must accommodate multiple inmate classifications.

Cost and tax implications - Rough cost estimate: The commissioner said earlier planning puts the overall cost around $250 million, including ramp and jail construction. He said the county’s estimate has risen by about $60 million since the board last considered moving forward, largely because of delays and material cost increases. - Potential tax effect: The commissioner estimated the project could translate into a single‑year levy increase in the area of about 4–7% for county taxes when the county bonds for the project, though he also said numbers were not final and the county is exploring grants and alternative financing.

County governance and approvals The commissioner said the county board passed a resolution authorizing the plan to move forward with the downtown site and that the county is coordinating permits with the City of Anoka. He acknowledged opposition and negotiation with the city and said the county examined multiple sites before concluding the downtown campus made the most operational sense.

What the council and residents asked Council members and residents asked for details on timetable and tax impacts. The commissioner said exact impacts will depend on bond sizing and interest rates, and reiterated the county is seeking to use grants and debt management to reduce the burden on taxpayers.

No formal action taken by the city council This was a public‑comment presentation by a county official; the Oak Grove City Council did not take action on the county plan at this meeting.

Ending The commissioner suggested continued coordination between the county and the city, and invited council members to ask questions and follow up as project details and financial estimates are finalized.