MUSCATINE, Iowa – The estimated $8.8 million expansion project for the Muscatine County Jail is making progress.

Three construction  manager candidates — Estes Construction of Davenport; Midwest Construction Consultants of Houghton; and Carl A. Nelson and Co. in Burlington — presented proposals, suggestions and costs to the Muscatine Board of Supervisors at Monday’s meeting.

“We’re talking an awful lot of money for construction managers,” Supervisor Dave Watkins said, expressing his concern for the right business for the job.

Amounts bid by the three firms were not made public. Administrative Services Director Eric Furnas told KWPC radio the bids ranged from $190,000to $280,000.

Bids for a general contractor are scheduled to be opened today.

The construction  manager would provide oversight for the jail expansion project, on which Sheriff Dave White and the Board of Supervisors are hoping to break ground as soon as possible.

The $8.8 million includes design fees but Furnas said construction costs will be $6.6 million. Money for the expansion will be borrowed and repaid with revenue from federal inmate housing.

Though 36 beds will be lost when closing the minimum security sector, 100 new ones  will be added, White said. The current jail houses 37 inmates.

The project is expected to take 15 months, White said.

The Durrant Group, based in Des Moines will be serving as the architectural team, the Board said.

Furnas said while the money will mainly benefit inside renovation, new beds and expanded space, some  needed repairs to the current jail will be made as well.

Board of Supervisors chairman Wayne Shoultz wants to make sure operations continue despite the renovation project.

“We’re beyond the design stage,” Shoultz said to candidates.

Furnas expressed interest in maintenance, hoping whatever company is approved, the maintenance will be minimal and money-saving.

The jail expansion project has been discussed by the Board for several months, and bidding will begin at 2 p.m. today. The Board hopes to choose its construction management team in the next two weeks, it said.

In other news

— The Board approved a request by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office to hire full- and part time-positions for correctional officers. 

— The request by Friends of the Barn to use a county-owned building at Old County Farm was tabled, as no Friends of the Barn representatives were in attendance.

— No action was taken on the Muscatine Regional Empowerment request for office space at 3210 Harmony Lane.

The group had previously requested space in the building, which also houses Muscatine Department of Human Services. The lease rate currently established is for any agency that wants to occupy. A decision for Empowerment’s possible use will be made at a later date.