Wadena County Commissioners’ discussion includes recurrent subject matter
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on November 17.
Capital Project
Bonding for the courtroom expansion over the jail was discussed at a meeting last week. County Coordinator/Engineer Ryan Odden spoke with the treasury department and was told they can’t use CARES Act funds for designing this project.
They approved the one-year lease for the Deer Creek School. It’s going to take a good year to design and build a permanent structure.
Part of the bonding process requires them to put together a five-year capital improvement plan to utilize and consider a bond option and hire a professional firm. Odden suggested sticking with BHH as they have done many projects for the county.
Chad Bormann, with BHH, asked the board if they want a full wish list or a list of priorities. They are considering items such as the human resources building and a new roof for the Friendly Rider.
Commissioner Jon Kangas would like to see a wish list for the county and wait until after the holidays when the new board is seated. Commissioner Jim Hofer doubted this would move forward before the new commissioners were on board. They have to find a bigger place to hold court. That issue is not going to go away.
Commissioner Sheldon Monson added the interest rate on the bond is two percent and it could be spread out over 20 years. . .