Ramsey County moves to engage bond counsel for new Law Enforcement Center, contingent on LEC cost-share

Ramsey County commissioners voted to engage Arnston Stewart Wagner as bond counsel to begin work on a potential voter bond to finance a new Lake Region Law Enforcement Center (LEC), with the condition that the LEC board agree to a cost share.

Commissioners and county staff stressed urgency because of the aging jail and the large costs the county could face if it loses local jail capacity. Sheriff Lang provided an updated estimate that transporting inmates to other facilities could cost roughly $1,482,000 to $1,500,000 annually based on an average daily population of about 35–40 inmates, including mileage and housing costs.

Commission discussion focused on timing and cost allocation. County staff said bond counsel hourly rate is $350 per hour and that if a bond goes forward counsel fees would typically be paid from the bond proceeds; if the county chooses not to move forward or the bond fails, the county would be responsible for counsel costs. Commissioners discussed asking the LEC and the other member counties to share the cost; Jeff said he would present the proposal to the LEC and request a special meeting to speed a decision.

The commission amended the motion so the engagement would proceed only if the LEC agreed to a cost share within a short contingency period; commissioners said that would allow counsel to begin work promptly without leaving the county solely responsible if partner counties decline to contribute.

The motion, as amended, passed; staff will notify the bond counsel and seek cost-share confirmation from the LEC.