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Stearns County reports strong bid day and advances Justice Center contracts; bond plan remains subject to presale

Stearns County Board of Commissioners · February 13, 2026

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Summary

County staff reported a strong bidding outcome for the proposed Justice Center, with hard construction bids estimated $205–210 million and an overall construction budget projected below $290 million. The board approved an earthwork contract (~$7.98M), a $230,000 contract for accessory-structure design, and directed staff to assemble remaining contracts while the financing plan moves toward a March presale resolution.

County finance and facilities staff and municipal advisors updated the board Feb. 17 on financing and procurement for the proposed Stearns County Jail/Justice Center.

Sarah Ooch (finance) said local sales-tax collections for the program totaled about $8.897 million in the first eight months, an annualized figure of roughly $13.3 million. Bruce Kimball of Ehlers presented a high-water illustrative financing scenario predicated on a $325 million deposit to a project construction fund, noting that lower actual bond amounts would reduce debt-service costs and that investment earnings could cover some demolition and administrative costs.

Facilities manager Kevin Cornick reported a record turnout for bidders: 225 bids across 54 work scopes. Initial low bids put hard construction costs in the $205M–$210M range and the overall construction budget comfortably below $290M — meaning the earlier $324M+ estimate may shrink substantially. Cornick recommended (and the board approved) three immediate actions: awarding the earthwork contract (Bid scope 31a) to Veidt Excavating for $7,982,850 with a limited notice to proceed for clearing/grubbing; authorizing a $230,000 fixed-fee contract with GLT Architects to design an accessory structure; and directing staff to assemble and bring the remaining contracts to the board for approval.

Ehlers outlined the financing timeline: a presale resolution expected March 10, contract awards following in mid-April, a bond award resolution April 21 and an anticipated bond sale in mid-May. Presenters emphasized the board’s stated goal that no property taxes be used for the project and that sales tax revenue and bond proceeds be tracked and spent only on allowable project costs.