The Grand Forks County Commission is considering whether to revise a proposed space utilization study of the County Office Building.
After consulting with City Administrator Todd Feland, County Administrator Tom Ford suggested having the study assume that Public Health, the Northeast Human Services Center, and four state employees would be vacated on the South 5th floor.
Ford said if that were to happen, and if Public Health moved to a different facility, the commission would have 20,000 square feet of available office space.
Ford said when the Human Services Center’s lease is up in 2025, the county has the right to ask for the space.
Ford noted that the county has several space needs, saying: “We’re having to figure what to do with the state’s attorney’s office, emergency management, the Sheriff (office) needs a home. And with 20,000 square feet in the County Office Building – and I’m not suggesting moving the Sheriff’s Office there – it would be good for the commission to have all options presented before you decide to build any more facilities.”
Board members took no action at this week’s meeting, but agreed to think about it.
ICON architects would be paid $50,000 for the study. One commissioner said it would not hurt to solicit other proposals.