News editor
Construction of the new county jail and law enforcement center could be completed in June, Josh Walker told Marion County Commission on Feb. 29. Allowing for time to furnish the new facility, move equipment over, and train staff on procedures that will be different for the new building, the county could move inmates into the new jail in August.
Architect Andy Pitts of Treanor Architects P.A. discussed several proposed change orders for the project. The commission approved the change orders, which amounted to a net increase of $10,832 in price.
The commission also approved purchasing kitchen equipment, including a convection oven, gas range, refrigerators, and other needs, for a total of $35,354. Purchase of a commercial-grade washer and dryer was approved for $7,817.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he had a meeting scheduled with Marion City Administrator Doug Kjellin that afternoon about the street in front of the jail and how it would be repaved after construction.
The commission then recessed from the meeting for a tour of the jail construction while Pitts highlighted some of the features the facility will have.