HMN Architects presents design‑development set for proposed jail; officials say estimate aligns with referendum

HMN Architects and its design consultants presented the county commission with a design‑development (DD) package for the proposed jail and a pro forma specification identifying materials and products to be used in the project. Sean Harding of HMN told commissioners the DD set is largely complete for design review but noted the firm still needs civil, security electronics and other consultant input to finalize construction documents.

Harding said the firm provided a conservative cost estimate based on an anticipated contractor mobilization and bid‑day escalation. "The number that our firm gave, Robert and Gary is slightly different than what came out on the referendum, but not by much," he said. Commissioners asked for ballpark figures excluding property acquisition; Harding said the firm's projection was prepared with escalation and was close to the referendum number but did not state a precise single figure in the verbal presentation.

Chairman and commissioners emphasized timeliness: the project has been discussed publicly and in recent ballots, and the commission is monitoring costs closely ahead of an upcoming sales‑tax ballot. Commissioners invited the architects to leave the DD set with county staff and to meet with the newly introduced county administrator and other stakeholders during a scheduled reception.

The presentation did not include a final construction estimate, and Harding said additional consultant inputs remain to be incorporated. The transcript does not include a formal vote on the DD set; commissioners thanked the architects for delivering the materials on schedule.