KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn. — The Koochiching County Board on Dec. 16 approved sending a draft lease to the City of International Falls that would place the city police department in the first floor of the county’s Law Enforcement Center.

Under the draft presented to the board, the city/International Falls Police Department would pay $50,000 per year for 20 years. The county would remain responsible for maintaining building systems and infrastructure. The draft calls for a 50/50 split of refurbishment costs for the leased space (the refurbishment cost shown in discussion was approximately $160,000) and would include utilities and common services (housekeeping, maintenance, garbage, electricity, natural gas, water and sewer) while excluding phone, internet and IT support, which the city would handle separately. The lease would designate six parking spaces along the building’s south side and include a first right of refusal for the city should the county ever sell the building while the lease is active.

County attorney Nargoski updated several contract terms before the board considered approval. Commissioners said they would be available to present the draft to City Council when the city places the item on its agenda. The board approved sending the lease to the city for review by voice vote.

Next steps: county staff said they expect to present the draft to International Falls City Council for its consideration.