Costs revealed for moving GFSO

Finding a new home for the Grand Forks sheriff’s department won’t come cheap.

The Grand Forks County Commission was informed Tuesday that the cost could range between $3 and $20 million dollars depending upon the plan.

Moving the GFSO into the county office building starts at $3 million – excluding costs for moving other departments. Renovating the old county jail tops $10 million dollars. A new build could approach $13.5 GF Countmillion. That figure climbs to $20.5 million if it includes space for the state’s attorney.

Commissioner Mark Rustad asked if there was any talk about a public-private partnership. County Administrator Tom Ford says everything is on the table.

The GFSO is currently housed in the Grand Forks Police building – and the city has expressed a desire to expand into the second floor space. The pending move has been on the radar since 2019. The city is hoping to begin renovations in 2026.

The commission will set up a committee to focus on a solution.