McLeod County approves $159,404 courthouse security upgrade after $46,000 grant

McLeod County commissioners on July 15 approved a $159,404.30 quote from LVC Companies of Minneapolis to upgrade courthouse security systems, following an earlier award of $46,000 from a Safe and Secure Courthouses grant.
The upgrades include adding card access at 13 doors, installing 11 additional cameras, replacing six aging cameras and a software upgrade to integrate devices across the courthouse, Sheriff Casey told the board during the presentation.
County staff told commissioners they solicited bids and received two usable proposals: $159,404.30 from LVC Companies and a second bid at $206,755; a third vendor declined to submit a bid. Sheriff Casey said the grant previously awarded to the county would be applied toward the project and that staff identified additional internal revenue sources to cover the remainder.
Commissioners discussed the technical review and timing before voting. Commissioner Schmalz moved to approve the low quote; Commissioner Wright seconded. After brief remarks noting the preparatory work and the availability of grant funds, the board voted and the motion carried.
Next steps identified by staff include contract execution with the selected vendor and scheduling the work to minimize courthouse disruption. No specific start or completion dates were given during the meeting.