A construction manager for the proposed Marshall County Jail expansion project could be on board soon.
On Monday, Marshall County commissioners Dave Baier and Bob Connell decided to begin contract negotiations for the project with Loyd Builders, Ottawa.
Commissioner Lynn Feldhausen was absent. The county’s original estimate for the project was $4 million to $4.5 million.
Hargrave said he hopes the project’s architect will be at the county board’s meeting next Monday. At that meeting the architect is expected to present a cost estimate from Loyd Builders on the project.
Baier said if the bid comes in too high, the county will look at ways to cut project costs.
If the estimate is within the range that commissioners are comfortable with, they will begin looking at ways to finance the jail’s expansion.
Hargrave said he plans to hold a public information meeting about the project later this month or early in January at the Helvering Community Center.
(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)