JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On the last day the bid was still valid, the Stutsman County Commission discussed the lowest bid to build a storage building for the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office Friday.

Originally, Sheriff Chad Kaiser worked with the owner of Ringdahl Ambulance in Jamestown for the purchase of the current ambulance building. Following a price set by the owner and two counter offers between the entities, Kaiser reported the deal had not progressed.

The proposed new storage building will cost more than $1.2 million to construct and would be covered using ARPA, or America Rescue Plan Act, funding. The proposed location would be near the existing Stutsman County Park shop. Sheriff Kaiser says the bid would not be good past Aug. 4.

The multiuse building may also be used for training purposes and maintenance items. Sheriff Kaiser says if the county didn’t make a decision, the next bid they would let for could be more than $250,000 higher.

Kaiser says construction could start this year with a finishing date in 2023. He added he would be exploring ways to upkeep and store equipment for the time being.

Commissioner Steve Cichos says there were risks with either decision the commission made.

Commissioner Dennis Ova made a motion to approve the bid, but the motion died for lack of a second. Ramone Gumke was not present.

Commissioner Joan Morris shared reservations about the building project.

No further motion was made and the request died. No other options were discussed.