The county started its community outreach efforts to discuss a new judicial center scheme Thursday, as officials participated in a radio program and launched voicemail and email hotline services.

Friday, March 22, 2002

The county started its community outreach efforts to discuss a new judicial center scheme Thursday, as officials participated in a radio program and launched voicemail and email hotline services.

The undertakings are a result of the county board’s decision to share information about the judicial center with taxpayers, which was unanimously approved by the commissioners during their last board meeting.

County Board Chairman Dave Mullenbach and County Administrator Ron Gabrielsen appeared on the live program on KATE hosted by Steve Oman, and explained the current status of the plan.

Gabrielsen emphasized that the new facility should be one that will provide a solution for the county to satisfy its space needs and employee security.

&uot;The most important resource for the county is the employees. I have a responsibility to create a secure environment for them,&uot; he said. &uot;It should be a long-term approach. I don’t want a Band-Aid approach.&uot;

The board decided this Tuesday to designate Boarman, Kroos, Vogel (BKV) Group as the architect for the new facility and design a schematic plan. Mullenbach added the county would hire a construction manager to oversee the project.

The $20 million plan would be funded mostly through issuing bonds.

To a phone call during the program asking if there would be a referendum, Gabrielsen answered that it would be commissioners’ decision.

General-obligation bonds usually require a public referendum, but the county could choose other types of boding that are not subject to a vote.

Mullenbach said the county would continue reaching the public through the radio regularly. Oman offered Wednesday spots for him.

The hotlines intend to gather public opinions. All messages will be copied and distributed to county commissioners.

&uot;We are living in a society where opposing interests exist, and it is difficult to get to a point across,&uot; said Gabrielsen. &uot;But we would like to listen to all kinds of opinion on the criminal justice center.&uot;

The telephone number is (507) 377-5199, and the e-mail address is tellus@co.freeborn.mn.us.