Jail project charges along in bonding limbo

With bonding money from the state in limbo after the legislature failed to reach an agreement on an omnibus bonding bill, the Carlton County board of commissioners is counting on voter approval of the half-percent sales tax in the November election. Funding for the $70-plus million complex is dependent on the approval of the sales tax to avoid adding to the local property tax hit.

When asked about the impact on property taxes, county coordinator Dennis Genereau essentially said the county is looking at multiple funding streams.

“The county is focusing on educating the people of Carlton County on the need for the additional half-cent sales tax,” Genereau said. “Also, the planning for the financing of the justice center uses non-levy grants that are available, reserve county funds that have accrued over the years, and American Rescue Plan Act funding.”

Genereau said legislative bonding money is not out of the picture even though the legislature failed to pass a bill. The bulk of the justice center work will not take place until into the 2023-24 construction seasons, and bonding money could still be possible if passed in the next session.

The work goes on, albeit slowly. Earlier this year the board authorized purchasing fabricated concrete panels to ensure delivery in January, when they are scheduled to be lifted into position. At the board of commissioners meeting July 12, bids were accepted for purchasing the steel structural material, guaranteed to be made in the U.S., and for earthwork/utilities work which came in about $1.1 million below the earlier estimated cost.

Initial funding for the justice center is being paid for using $37.5 million in bonds approved earlier by the board.

A special meeting was set for 4 p.m. July 21 at the Transportation Building to consider approval of a guaranteed maximum price from contractor Adolfson & Peterson for the justice center project. This guarantee ensures if there is a cost overrun, that cost would be covered by the contractor. It would not cover additional work requested by the county board.