Preliminary estimates for jail are $8-$10 million years ago
Bonding options will be sought
Staff reporter
A new law enforcement center could cost the county between $8 and $10 million dollars.
Marion County Commission heard preliminary cost estimates Monday from consultant Dan Hall of BG Consultants, Inc. of Manhattan.
The county is pursuing information regarding a 48- or 72-bed facility that could house Marion County offenders and those from other counties.
In addition to a jail, the center would provide much needed space for probation and parole officers, and the county attorney.
Consultant Jim Robinson researched and determined estimated square footage needed for office and detention areas.
Areas that are not secured are less expensive to construct than secured areas.
A total square footage of 45,368 was estimated for the center. Projected 2006 costs per square foot were $228 per square foot in the most secured areas (jail area), $170 per square foot in moderately secured areas (probation and parole offices), and $105 per square foot in areas that do not require security (reception, attorney's office).
An allowance of $110,000 also will be added for parking areas and site utilities.
A cost estimate for 72 beds and site improvements is $9,298,845. If the county decides to construct a smaller facility with 48 beds at 13,378 square feet, the cost would be reduced $951,216.
Hall also provided estimates based on 2005 prices.
"To be realistic, we're probably looking at 2007 prices when the facility is actually constructed," said Hall.
Additional costs are utility costs at an estimated $2-$3 per square foot or $90,000-$125,000 per year; architectural and engineering design and construction inspection at 10-15 percent; additional staff; costs associated with bond financing; and possible land acquisition.
Two staff options were proposed with estimated monthly cost increases.
The first option was for 31 employees at a cost of $68,042 per month for salaries.
This included a sheriff, undersheriff, jail administrator, five sergeants, 19 deputies, an office manager, and three food service employees.
Option two was for 28 employees which included a sheriff, undersheriff, jail administrator, five sergeants, 16 deputies, an office manager, and three food service employees. This option would cost $60,932 per month for salaries.
"Recent hurricanes will drive up construction costs," said Hall. He said costs will increase and then come back down but he doesn't know where the price will stabilize.
The current jail has a total of 6,900 square feet.
The commission also authorized county clerk Carol Maggard to make contact with the county's bond counsel, David Artebury at George K. Baum Company, to attend a future commission meeting to discuss bond options.
Commission members and sheriff's department personnel are planning to attend a special school in October in Colorado that assists entities in planning new jail construction.
Hall made it clear that these were cost estimates. Adjustments can be made to reduce costs to make financing more feasible.
