Board reviews $300K parking-lot reconstruction and 30–35K ADA ramp to improve sheriff’s office access

Des Moines County supervisors examined plans and costs to overhaul the sheriff’s office parking lot and relocate the primary public entry to the southwest corner with a new ADA ramp.

Staff and consultants described two separate scopes: a parking-lot reconstruction with paving and subgrade work estimated roughly in the $298,000–$302,000 range, and an entryway/ramp and new doorway the consultant estimated at about $30,000–$35,000. Speakers cautioned that unknown subgrade conditions could increase the parking-lot price substantially; staff estimated a base figure "somewhere around 330–335,000" if additional rock or repairs are required.

The board discussed procurement strategy: keep the projects separate or bid them together with an "alternate" for the ramp to preserve contractor flexibility and pricing. Participants recommended preparing bid documents now, advertising in late fall, and aiming for next-year construction, noting winter temperature risks for concrete work. Board members emphasized preserving emergency-vehicle access during construction and discussed phased staging or using nearby city lots temporarily for patrol vehicles. One participant indicated there is fund balance or a prior line-of-credit figure near $275,000 that could be applied depending on final costs and attorney/bonding guidance.

Staff were asked to coordinate ramp box-out dimensions with Clinger and finalize bid documents for the parking-lot work, include an alternate for the ramp, and work with county planners to minimize closure time and ensure emergency access during cure periods.