Logo courtesy of Butte County

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - Butte County supervisors have approved construction of a new probation building in Oroville, replacing an aging facility county officials said no longer meets the department’s needs.

The Butte County Board of Supervisors on May 12 approved a $14.39 million contract with Chico-based Modern Building Inc. to construct the new Probation Department building at 42 County Center Drive. The project carries an 18-month construction timeline from issuance of the notice to proceed.

Interim General Services Director Dennis Schmidt said the board first approved funding for the project in September 2022 to support demolition of the existing probation building and development of a replacement facility.

Schmidt said the department has since relocated into the remodeled County Center 18 building while planning for the new facility continued.

The project includes demolition of the existing 24,000-square-foot probation building along with utility and site work and construction of a new 26,620-square-foot, two-story office building.

County officials also separated a planned training facility from the primary construction bid because of project cost concerns. Schmidt said the training component includes a 1,660-square-foot open-beam training room with locker room and restroom facilities.

Five bids were submitted for the project, ranging from approximately $14.4 million to nearly $19.8 million. Schmidt said Modern Building Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid and the project remains within the county’s approved budget.

Supervisor Tami Ritter said probation staff have worked under difficult building conditions for years and described visiting temporary facilities during a heavy rainstorm where water was pouring from the building.

“I think probation has waited a long time,” Ritter said.

Mike Seegert, project manager and a partner at Modern Building, said the company looks forward to building the new facility and working with the county on the effort.

“We’re thrilled to construct this new project,” Seegert said. “I think it’s going to be amazing.”

Seegert said the company plans to hold a public groundbreaking ceremony when construction gets underway.