Board hears progress update on law enforcement center addition and keeps LEC space available

Koochiching County commissioners received a detailed construction update for the law enforcement center (LEC) addition and voted to keep the county’s LEC space available while the City of International Falls considers its own renovation and lease options.

At the March 11 meeting a county-contracted project representative said underground mechanical and electrical work is complete, interior slab-on-grade is finished in most areas, and interior concrete masonry unit (CMU) work is progressing. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins were described as “in progress,” punched aluminum openings and roofing on lower levels are under way, and interior renovation work for the boardroom and dispatch area has begun — the boardroom renovation was noted as the reason the meeting was held on the third floor courtroom.

Commissioners were shown photographs of recent work including trunk lines, office openings, skylights for natural light in day rooms and drywall installation. The presenter said the project remains on schedule for early phases and discussed staged roofing completion, interior finishes and a projected turnover in the October–November timeframe.

The board also considered how to use the LEC space if the city proceeds with a lease and renovation of the county-owned building. After discussion the board voted to keep the space available for a year to allow the city time to finalize decisions and to provide flexibility for county planning; commissioners noted there has been limited direct negotiation with the city to date and recommended holding off on major moves into the space while building renovations continue.

Commissioners and staff also discussed adjacent facilities work, including a request to bid courthouse paving as a smaller project outside the jail contract and broader questions about storm-sewer work and the timing of other campus improvements.