New Linn County public health building estimate increases 50 percent

CEDAR RAPIDS — The latest estimate for Linn County's future Public Health and Child and Youth Development Services building has increased by more than 50 percent — from $20 million earlier this year to $31.5 million.

However, Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson said the comparison is apples to oranges.

Downtown Cedar Rapids

The $20 million figure was a preliminary estimate for construction of the building only, while the $31.5 million figure includes additional costs such as architectural and planning expenses, he said.

"That $20 million was a ballpark estimate at that time," Oleson said Tuesday. "Now, the $31.5 million ... we're talking everything from soup to nuts."

Supervisor John Harris also said the latest estimate should be taken with a grain of salt since county staff have included contingencies to ensure the project's bond covers unforeseen costs.

Harris said he is confident the project will come in well below $31.5 million.

"I'm hopeful we can still get the building done for around $21 million to $22 million," Harris said Tuesday. "That $31.5 million is there so we can cover anything under the sun that might happen."

The Linn County supervisors will meet 10 a.m. Jan. 3 at the Jean Oxley Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW, for a public hearing — and possible action — on a general obligation urban renewal lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $31.5 million for the project.

The Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building — named after the longtime Cedar Rapids residents who had lasting impacts on public health, education and civil rights — is planned for county-owned land at 1019 Seventh St. SE.

The building's cost has been a bit of a moving target.

In early 2016, officials estimated the effort would require a $10 million loan.

Using a state-approved, reverse-referendum rule, the county can issue bonds for construction in an urban renewal district without seeking voter approval.

Oleson said the bond will likely come with 2 percent interest. Earlier this year, it was estimated paying off a $20 million building loan would add 6 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation to a county property tax bill.

Voters can force a public vote on the matter if a petition signed by at least 10 percent of the voters in the last general election — about 12,000 — is submitted to the county.

The 55,000-square foot building should be completed in 2018 and will combine offices for public health, which has run out of room in its building at 501 13th St. NW, with the county's child and youth development services department.

The building also will function as a community center with a public gymnasium, playground and green space.

Designed by OPN Architects, it would have a dozen conference rooms, named for each of the Harris' 12 children. It is aiming for a LEED Gold certification and will include sustainable features like natural lighting elements, green roofs and permeable pavers.

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