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Cass County building committee: law enforcement storage complete; courtroom on track; jail completion pushed to July 12
Summary
The Cass County Building Committee received updates that a new law enforcement storage building is largely occupied, courtroom renovation is on schedule with an October target, and a jail expansion completion date moved from May 12 to July 12 amid change-order disputes and no liquidated-damages clause.
The Cass County Building Committee heard updates on multiple county facility projects at a meeting of county officials and staff, including the closeout of a law enforcement storage building, progress on a courtroom renovation and a revised completion date for a jail expansion.
The law enforcement storage building is finished and largely occupied, with staff reporting final landscaping work remains. Sheriff Johnner said the new space has "definitely made a difference in efficiency within our organization," noting interior storage has helped with vehicle outfitting and winter operations. County staff said only some landscaping rock remained to be placed.
Committee members were also updated on courtroom renovations. County staff reported framing and other interior work are underway and the project remains on schedule for an October completion target. IT and facilities staff said court audio/video and data needs are being coordinated; as a cost-saving measure, planned AV and data connections will use the existing data closet where the state already has presence rather than adding a separate dedicated room.
The committee received a lengthier update on the county jail addition after the contractor revised the completion timeline. County staff said the construction team initially planned a May 12 completion but now projects July 12. Robert, the county administrator, described "frustration" around late-noticed issues and several change-order requests. Staff said the contract for the project does not include liquidated damages tied to a completion date.
Officials identified two change orders under discussion: a rated window and additions for smoke-detector covers, which staff said were not included in the original plans and are being treated through the project's contingency. Commissioner Flacknell and other members expressed concern about scope and appropriate uses for change-order funds. One commissioner urged future contracts to include daily penalty clauses for missed completion dates.
Sheriff Johnner told the committee the jail currently has some available capacity and that the county has not refused any intakes since March 11. He estimated inmate counts in the facility are "around the 300–310 mark" (approximate), and he said the county has not placed anyone in outside jurisdictions at present. The sheriff said he and his staff are preparing training plans so jail staff can begin training in newly completed space shortly before the contractor's final completion date. He also said furniture lead times recently cited by vendors are about 10–12 weeks and are unlikely to prevent initial intake operations.
The committee said it will continue working with the contractor, architect and sheriff's staff on outstanding change orders and will provide updates as the project approaches the revised July completion date. Commissioners and staff also noted they plan to adjust contracting language on future projects to better address delays and change-order disputes.
Votes at a glance: the committee approved minutes from the Oct. 7 meeting and later voted to adjourn the session; both motions passed (motions and tallies recorded in meeting actions).
