Berrien County could be looking at some big expenses when it comes to upgrading its juvenile detention center.
Speaking to colleagues Thursday, Commissioner Jim Curran said the administration committee this week received an update from consultants and learned exactly what kind of work needs to the done at the facility.
“Electrical is going to be upgraded,” Curran said. “The HVAC system is going to be upgraded. And [ the consultant ] noted that the HVAC system is original, from 1973. So the upgrade will be very well received. The plumbing needs to be upgraded and the fire protection system needs to be upgraded and expanded.”
Curran said the fire system needs to be brought in line with modern standards. So, what’s the cost of all this?
“$5.3 million is total on that project. All the work is out to bid right now. He said the bid should be back sometime the first part of June.”
Commissioner Julie Wuerfel wondered if other options have been explored, suggesting the facility isn’t full enough to justify the high cost. She asked if perhaps more juveniles could be housed out of county or if another facility could be purchased and repurposed into a juvenile center.
County Administrator Brian Dissette said he’s been working to get those answers, and commissioners will have them well before they’re asked to make any final decision about work at the juvenile center.
