The Stearns County Law Enforcement Center needed to renovate their facility allowing a better use of the space, easing overcrowding, and improving jail safety and security.

The entire project came in more than $1-million under budget. Estimated cost of the construction was $5.9 million; final price tag was $4.7 million. Stearns County saved $450,000 by doing some of the work in-house: plumbing, electrical, painting, carpentry, demolition, and by re-purposing as much furniture and technology as possible. Contingency funds, money required to be set aside for the unexpected, also came in under budget. There was $740,000 allocated for contingencies, but only $108,000 spent.

News Director, Mohammad Najafian, speaks with Captain Mark Maslonkowski about the renovation of jail. Here is the link to the audio story.

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