New Clay County jail and law enforcement center nears completion; public tours and move planned

Construction of Clay County’s new jail and law enforcement center advanced into late 2025, with officials scheduling public tours and a ribbon‑cutting ceremony and finalizing operational details ahead of the move‑in. County leaders set an open house on Oct. 7 and targeted a staggered move‑in date in mid‑October tied to the transition of 911 communications and completion of electrical and security systems. Facilities Manager Scott Hanson and Sheriff Andy Howe reported the building was substantially complete in many areas and that installers and system integrators were finishing key mechanical and security components.

The Sheriff’s Office awarded the jail meal contract to Summit Foods after a committee review of proposals and later authorized a separate commissary vendor contract with Victus for inmate commissary services; the county will receive a commission on sales and held a competitive procurement process. Officials also worked with Lloyd Construction and design consultants to renovate the old safety center and courthouse court security areas (design‑build procurement model) while planning staffing and training of newly hired jail personnel. County leaders emphasized coordination on technology cut‑over (911) and safety testing prior to full occupancy.