Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Corrections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Grand Forks County commission approves 10‑bed expansion, buys bunk beds and tables for correctional center
Summary
The county commission approved adding 10 beds to the county correctional center — expanding capacity from 72 to 82 — and authorized purchasing bunk beds and matching stainless tables for about $19,005, with county staff to perform installation.
Grand Forks County commissioners voted to authorize equipment purchases to support an 82‑bed configuration at the county correctional center, approving the purchase of bunk beds and stainless steel tables and directing county staff to handle installation.
County correctional staff told commissioners the Department of Corrections has approved a plan to increase capacity from 72 to 82 beds based on square footage provided by construction engineers. The equipment quote for the bunk beds and four stainless tables is $19,005 for the items alone; installation by the vendor would add hourly, mileage and per‑diem charges, so staff recommended county crews perform installation. Correctional center staff said delivery would take roughly six weeks under the vendor timeline.
The purchase was presented as part of work needed if the county elects to move forward with the Department of Corrections‑approved layout that converts some housing units from eight to 10 or 12 beds and rearranges bunks to better fit available space. Commissioners noted the county recently purchased 90 beds for about $411,111; one commissioner said the additional 10 beds would add capacity at comparatively low cost.
Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the purchase and the motion passed unanimously.
The county did not adopt any architectural changes at the meeting; the materials presented said the Department of Corrections approval was contingent on housing and shower layouts meeting applicable standards. If the county proceeds with installation by county crews, staff advised the vendor quote of $19,005 would cover equipment only and the county would be responsible for placement and anchor work.
Commissioners asked for timing and installation details before any vendor installation contract was signed; staff said they would proceed with ordering the equipment and schedule installation through county maintenance if the project moves ahead.
