Departments | Sheriff | In the News | Ground officially broken for law center
77,000-square-foot complex to be completed in December 2007
Article written by Jan Horgen and used with permission from the Globe Gazette, published on Thursday, August 17, 2006.
MASON CITY - Surrounded by early stages of construction, Cerro Gordo County officials grabbed shovels and turned some dirt Wednesday afternoon.
It was the official groundbreaking ceremony for the 77,000-square-foot law enforcement center.
Construction is "on schedule and on budget" for completion in December 2007, said Dave Roederer of StrataVision Consulting Group Inc., the Des Moines-based firm coordinating design and construction.
Because the $11.75 million bid of Dean Snyder Construction of Clear Lake was below budget estimates, there is a $214,000 contingency fund.
"The lower bid gives us some financial flexibility, but we are holding off on any change orders until the project is further along," Roederer said.
But he does have a "wish list" to recommend for supervisors to consider if the budget allows.
First would be an $80,000 epoxy floor coating to reduce maintenance and cleaning and allow longer wear, according to Roederer.
"My second recommendation would be to build the evidence impound area with a gravel and security fence on the perimeter for $30,000," he said.
As construction goes into full swing, behind-the-scenes preparations are also in the works, Sheriff Kevin Pals said.
"Our personnel have been working with the consultant on jail policies, procedures and operational scenarios for booking, prisoner classification and housing," Pals said.
The 15-acre law enforcement center on Lark Avenue, west of Mason City, will include a 140-bed jail, sheriff's department, joint dispatch center with Mason City, a courtroom and space for emergency management services.
