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Richland County commissioners review conceptual plan for 200‑bed jail, request financing and cost analyses
Summary
Commissioners heard a conceptual estimate for a proposed 200‑bed correctional facility. Consultants estimated staffing needs (about 26 employees) and discussed operating costs and potential annual net revenue; the board asked for detailed budgets, staffing analysis and demolition/expansion estimates before any decision.
Consultants and county staff presented a conceptual estimate for a proposed 200‑bed correctional facility and the Richland County Board of Commissioners asked for further budgeting and staffing analyses before advancing the project.
The presentation — led by consultant Chris Sailors with participation from Jill Breuer (both joined via Teams) and Comstock Construction representatives Jason Flack and Tyler Kellen — included a conceptual estimate summary and an operational-cost comparison. Sailors said the facility budget will depend on staffing levels and site utilities, and recommended the county consult a municipal advisor about financing and bonding.
Why it matters: the board is weighing whether to build a new law enforcement center (LEC) or expand the existing one. Commissioners discussed projected revenues and costs and noted that demolition of the current facility could add significant expense. Commissioner Nathan Berseth summarized the board’s reading of the materials, saying the proposed facility could net about $1.8 million annually under the presented projections.
Key details: Sailors estimated it would take about 26 employees to operate a 200‑bed facility. Sheriff Ruhl and county staff provided a year‑to‑date call‑for‑service report and distributed an operational cost summary for the current jail alongside an estimated operational cost summary for a 200‑bed facility. The board discussed that revenues can vary month to month and that staffing and utilities are major cost drivers.
Next steps and assignments: the board asked for more detailed work before any formal proposal. Sailors said he would prepare a nailed‑down budget and staffing analysis and work with a designer to compare expansion of the existing LEC to constructing a new facility. Jason Flack of Comstock Construction said he would prepare an estimate for demolition or preservation of the existing structure. Commissioner Perry Miller asked Steve Gjerdevig to contact the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) to determine whether the department could recommend consultants or provide technical assistance.
The board did not vote on any action related to construction or financing at the meeting; members instructed staff and consultants to return with refined numbers and options for financing and design.
