A plan to expand the Grand Forks County Jail took a step forward this week with approval of a revised RFQ and the naming of a selection committee to review potential construction managers. A similar request in July lacked certain legal requirements.
The County Commission also agreed to roll planning for a Juvenile Detention Center into the mix – and capped project costs at 31 million dollars. That’s the equivalent of six mills over 20 years.
Finding the best way to foot the bill is still a work in progress. The county has not ruled out seeking Home Rule Authority and asking voters to create a sales tax. County Administrator Tom Ford says all options are on the table for discussion. “The logic behind that is do we ask property owners to pay for it or do we ask everyone who comes to shop pay for it. That’s just one thing that is been discussed. There are other options on the table and I know the commission wants to explore all options before going to the voters.”
Ford says the county is also searching for a new home for the sheriff’s department and states attorney.
Possible solutions range from an existing site…purchasing a location…or a new build adjacent to the Grand Forks Courthouse.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
