Stearns County Commissioners Weigh Options for New Justice Center Amid Cost and Location Considerations

(KNSI) — The Stearns County Board of Commissioners reviewed additional information on construction and operating costs for various building options for a proposed new justice center.

Architects presented ideas, including building in a new location. That means all components of the justice center, including courts, the attorney’s office, the jail and the sheriff’s office. The option of staying downtown was also put forth. The county would have to buy land to expand, build new facilities and reconstruct existing buildings. Another suggestion is to split it up and put a new jail and sheriff’s office elsewhere while reconstructing downtown facilities to address concerns and space needs for the courts.

The most expensive option is to have all offices downtown due to the complexity of building in a constricted site with existing structures that need to be torn down and rebuilt. The county would also have to buy out adjacent properties, relocate roads, and have it done in phases so the current jail, law enforcement center and courts could operate as usual during the construction. This route would take approximately seven years to complete.

Splitting up the facilities raises operating costs, and inmates would need to be moved back and forth downtown for court. The county would need to buy transport vehicles, and it would take staff more time to do their jobs because they would need to run back and forth between locations. Infrastructure would also need to be improved to beef up security.

Whatever option is chosen, construction can be paid for with a sales tax. That must be approved by Stearns County residents in a referendum vote in November. The sales tax would take care of roughly 55% of the cost and wouldn’t solely be the burden of county residents. It would be spread out by those who come here to shop. The county could also pay for it with property taxes, making county residents 100% responsible for the costs. Operating costs can only be paid for through a property tax levy.

Another work session is scheduled for April as the Board of Commissioners move toward deciding a location for the justice center, services, and offices to be included in the facility.

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