VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County Commission will hold an informational meeting to accept public comments about the proposed jail and architectural design on February 5th.

The estimated construction cost lists the jail at $11.9 million and the sheriff’s office at $4.4 million.

Commissioner Vicki Lovell said some people believe the old jail should be renovated to house the Sheriff’s office. But commissioners Cindy Schwehr and Shawn Olauson along with Sheriff Randy McClaflin said the cost to renovate will be about the same as the new construction estimate.

Two public input meetings will be held on February 5th, one at 10am and another at 7pm in the Valley City Eagles Club. Commissioner Vicki Lovell encouraged people to attend one of these meetings.

Under the proposed plan, a jail and law enforcement center would be built east of the existing National Guard facility along the I-94 frontage road in Valley City.