Commissioners OK jail project design contract

ALBANY — Renovation and expansion of the female cell block of the Linn County Jail, took a step forward Tuesday morning, when the Board of Commissioners approved a contract with DLR Group of Portland for architectural and engineering services.

The contract is not to exceed $445,300.

Undersheriff Micah Smith told Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker that the Sheriff’s Office solicited bids from four other companies as well, but they did not submit bids. In a written report, Smith said DLR is “well-versed with the project, the jail facility and highly qualified to perform the services sought by the Sheriff’s Office.”

Smith added that DLR Group will help the county develop a bid packet as well.

DLR Group was founded in 1966 has 30 offices internationally. It specializes in civic, courts and detention design.

Smith said the goal is to complete the project by July 2026. It will add 22 beds in a dormitory style to the current 33-bed cell block.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved transferring $10,000 from the General Fund to the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program.
• Approved transferring the ending fund balance of $27,385 from the General Fund to the Veterans Services.
• Transferred $150,000 from the General Fund to the Developmental Disabilities/Health Fund to provide emergency assistance/supplies (such as generators) for homes that service persons with developmental disabilities.
• Appointed Roberta Reed to the Historical Resource Commission.
• Received a brief update about the North Canyon sewer project by Administrative Officer Darrin Lane.
• Heard concerns about a need for clarity in land use and fire district rules concerning the development of driveways and roads in rural subdivisions from property developer Lynn Merrill.
• Announced there will be a Management Staff meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, in the Courthouse basement meeting room.

Media contact: Alex Paul, Linn County Communications Officer, 541-967-3825 or email apaul@co.linn.or.us.