The Stearns County Board authorized staff to advertise construction bids and to initiate permit reviews for the Justice Center project at its Dec. 2 meeting.

Kevin Cornick, facilities manager for Stearns County, told commissioners staff seeks two board actions: advertise bids for the main Justice Center and a separate accessory building (contingent upon successful parcel closings and the City of Saint Cloud passing an annexation ordinance), and submit building, plumbing, food‑service and related permit applications to the government units that have jurisdiction. Cornick said plan‑review fees "we don't expect...to exceed $400,000" and described a procurement timetable: advertise the week of Dec. 15, receive bids through January, and hold bids for 60 days to allow for contract review and award.

Cornick explained the county is taking measured risk by bidding before all permits are complete because delaying bids could jeopardize an early‑spring, May groundbreaking window. He also described risk‑mitigation strategies in contracts — including limiting notices to proceed and retaining cancellation language to reduce exposure if a contract must be terminated.

Board action: Commissioner Clark moved to advertise the bids contingent on parcel closings and passage of the Saint Cloud annexation ordinance; Commissioner Persky seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Commissioner Notch moved and Commissioner Johnson seconded a second action to submit required permit applications to the state and the city; that motion also passed.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with advertising the procurement documents, pursue required permitting and return as needed with contract actions and follow‑up requests for individual early contracts with long lead times (for example, earthwork, precast concrete, structural steel).