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Hubbard County Board approves jail space study, highway bids advertising, IT refresh and task-force assignment
Summary
At its regular meeting the Hubbard County Board reappointed Ryan Miller as county surveyor, approved an ICS contract (not to exceed $13,000) to study the old jail’s future use, authorized advertising 2026 highway construction and maintenance bids, approved IT and shop equipment purchases, and assigned a deputy to the Paul Bunyan drug task force.
The Hubbard County Board of Commissioners approved a bundle of routine and near-term actions at its regular meeting, including a contract for a study of the old jail, authorizing highway bid advertising for 2026 projects, authorizing IT infrastructure upgrades, and approving a staffing assignment to a regional drug task force.
Old jail study: Administrator presented a proposal from ICS to examine three options for the county’s old jail—remodel in place, major mechanical overhaul, or full replacement—and to provide scope/scale estimates. The contract was approved "not to exceed $13,000" and includes subcontracting with Wold, an architecture firm experienced in jail and courtroom design; the study is to be completed within four months of approval.
Highway projects and bids: Highway staff received approval to advertise bids for the county’s 2026 construction and maintenance work, covering four maintenance contracts and multiple county and state-aid projects. Staff noted some schedule pressures from MnDOT’s reconstruction of a nearby state route that will increase detour demand; the Straight River Township bridge is a candidate for work this year. Highway staff estimated bituminous mix at about $58 per ton and said the final schedule depends on bonding and pricing.
Equipment and IT spending: The board approved a county capital purchase of a wider, 50,000-pound-capacity shop lift for the highway shop (current lift described as rusting and undersized). IT staff received approval for a core refresh to create redundant layer-3 switching across county facilities using Fortinet managed switches; installation was quoted at $250 per hour for up to 100 hours and the project was included in this year’s budget.
Law enforcement assignment: The sheriff asked to assign an existing patrol deputy (given an investigator title) to the Paul Bunyan drug task force. The sheriff estimated the pay differential at about $7,000 annually but said the county would net savings because a recent vacancy reduces payroll while the federal task force provides a vehicle. The board approved the assignment.
Other routine matters: The board set the County Board of Appeal and Equalization for June 17, 2026 at 6 p.m., recognized county employees Anna Schilling (Human Services) and Michelle Daley (9-1-1) for service milestones, and adjourned after committee reports.
Motions were moved, seconded and carried on each item; recorded votes were taken by voice. Where dollar amounts or timelines were stated in discussion (for example, the ICS contract ceiling and bituminous price estimate), the board received clarifying questions before approval.
