The Warren County Board of Supervisors approved the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total project cost of the Warren County Justice Center this morning, effectively beginning the construction of the courthouse and jail this spring. The County will have to borrow an approximate $3-4 million on a re-offering premium on the current bonds approved by voters, and board chair Aaron DeKock tells KNIA News with low interest rates and timing being critical this was a good decision by the board to get it done.

“It’s a great day for Warren County, I’m very pleased that we’ve moved the project forward. After today’s actions it will continue to move forward, and we’ll lock in interest rates that are looking better and better by the day. With today’s actions I think we can be digging as early as April but probably more realistically in May, but it’s a big win for the county and I’m well pleased.”

Supervisor Crystal McIntyre tells KNIA News she approves of the project in its current state on the square and is looking forward to getting the building built to serve Warren County residents, but voted against the plans on principle because of the re-offering premium necessary to pay for it.

“I can’t vote yes when the public has not voted to approve a certain amount of money but yet they are going to be taxed on that amount in the future, especially on a higher interest rate. That is what the re-offering premium is all about, raising that extra $3-4 million to make the complete price of the courthouse and jail.”

The board also approved several additional construction additions, including excavation of 4,000 square feet of shell space in the basement, winterization of the secure entryway, and audio/visual equipment for the Iowa Courts System, which brings the total project construction cost to approximately $27.5 million. The construction cost does not include money already spent on design and demolition of the old building.