Demolition of Washington County's outdated public works complex will begin in May, but the project's growing price tag came under fire last week.
Problems with deficient, 1960s-era buildings became apparent years ago. The County Board stood squarely behind a plan to rebuild the complex north of Stillwater because of fire danger, lack of space for work on big trucks, and exorbitant heating costs.
But at a workshop last week, two commissioners questioned why the project's cost was growing beyond its original $17.5 million budget to $20 million or more.
"I have no concept at this point what the final cost of this build out is going to be," said Commissioner Gary Kriesel.
Another commissioner, Karla Bigham, said she calculated that additional expenses related to a salt shed, a new sewer system and temporary offices for displaced county employees could drive the overall project cost to as high as $20.5 million.
"This is the reality of building a project of this magnitude," replied Don Theisen, the county's public works director. "This $17.5 million [budget] has been around five years at least. Inflation has eaten at least 20 percent."
The complex, known as the North Shop, houses dozens of county engineers and park managers, all of the county's snowplows, and several Sheriff's Office vehicles.
Theisen has told the County Board that the complex was built in 1962 when the county had fewer than 55,000 residents. Now, nearly a quarter million people live in the county, bringing a greater demand for public works services ranging from snowplowing and vehicle repair to improved roads and bridges.
