Shawano County supervisors voted unanimously March 25 to authorize the borrowing of up to $121 million for a new courthouse and jail housing pod.
The proposal includes constructing and equipping a new courthouse, a secure connection to the existing jail, a vehicle sally port, jail intake and support areas, and a new 150-bed inmate housing unit, as well as acquiring land and related furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
An $88.5 million proposal that left out the new housing pod was removed from the agenda after supervisors agreed to the first plan.
Supervisor Jim Przybylski noted the good, the bad and the ugly of the proposal before committing to support it.
“The good is the proposed plan for the new structure meets the needed requirements,” he said. “The bad? It will need investment and greater fiscal planning by all who will use the facility. It will hurt a little, but the age-old saying ‘No pain, no gain’ has merit. The ugly? We need to ask ourselves the hard questions. Will our future generations of this county face more financial obligations in their future than we can imagine?”
Supervisor Tess Serrano said the time to build is now, as the county has delayed the decision for too many years.
“I’m begging you guys to do the right thing … and let’s make this unanimous 27-0 for the $121 million,” she said. “Let’s get her done. Let’s do this.”
Supervisor Randy Mallmann said he favored the building plans, but he also cautioned his colleagues to not lose sight of the need for a new public library.
“I truly believe we keep moving forward, and we approve this $121 million proposal,” he said. “Yes, I agree, we have to keep the library in the forefront. We need to address that, but at this point, we need to look at what’s ahead of us today at $121 million. Get this moving, and then we’ll continue to look at the library down the road.”
Board Chairman Tom Kautza also said now was the right time to build. Interest rates have dropped since the financial plan was put forth a few months ago, and that alone will save millions.
Original estimates were to borrow funds at 4.25%. A recent bond sale had rates of 3.76%.
“On this amount of money, that’s a huge chunk of change,” Kautza said. “With simple math, I believe it’s around half a million a year.”
The Samuels Group and Venture Architects will now fine-tune the building plans and prepare the documents necessary for firms to bid on the project.
In a separate resolution, the board authorized a deal for construction management services by The Samuels Group for the courthouse campus project and continuation of the design and construction phases.
The cost of these services will be paid through the authorized bonding for the courthouse and jail project and will not require additional borrowing beyond the approved project funds. The cost will not exceed about 1.9% for the construction phase, with on-site staff costs treated as reimbursable, and 0.5% pre-construction of the total approved project funds, noted Nichole Zuehl, finance director.
She said actual dollar estimate can be determined once bids are in, and officials have actual construction costs.
Finally, the board authorized the purchase of a home at 217 W. Third St., for up to $300,000. The land is needed for the courthouse project. That leaves only one other parcel, on Fourth Street, the county needs to acquire for the project.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Shawano County supervisors authorized the borrowing of up to $121 million to construct a new courthouse, jail housing unit and jail auxiliary services. Plans are for the new courthouse to be built directly west of the existing building, with the current courthouse to be razed and used for parking. The veterans memorial would be relocated on site. (File | NEW Media)
Shawano County District 11 Supervisor Jim Przybylski, left, and District 8 Supervisor Martin Elmer listen to the discussion about whether to authorize up to $121 million for the construction of a new courthouse, jail housing pod and jail auxiliary services. On March 15, supervisors voted 27-0 to authorize borrowing up to that limit. A final decision on the actual borrowing will come at a later date.
(Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
