The decision to close Stillwater prison seemed to catch just about everyone by surprise, including union officials who represent corrections workers and many state lawmakers who oversee public safety and the judiciary.

RELATED: DOC: Stillwater prison to fully close by 2029

“The conditions within Stillwater have deteriorated to the point that it compromises safety, efficiency and operational integrity,” Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said at a news conference Thursday. Schnell’s afternoon news conference was announced minutes after Gov. Tim Walz and state lawmakers began announcing a budget deal.

The Stillwater prison closure is part of the overall budget agreement and aimed at saving money over the long term.

“This announcement is news for most everyone,” Schnell acknowledged. “A lot of planning is taking part as we speak. The Minnesota legislative leaders and Gov. Walz came to this joint agreement for a phased closure of the facility.”

They reached the agreement without any legislative hearings or input from some lawmakers who focus on the judiciary and public safety.

“This is a shortsighted and alarming development – there were no committee hearings and no bill language on the issue, and I am very concerned that this proposal lacks the thorough vetting necessary for such a large change,” said Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, who serves as the Republican lead on the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

“There is no question Stillwater Prison is old, but for the Legislature to consider a change of this magnitude, we should have taken a far more deliberative approach,” Limmer said. “I’m concerned that this decision and the long-term ramifications put the public at risk. Instead of an order to close, we should hold hearings and get public input for a replacement prison. We should not move forward with this proposal until we have an adequate plan in place to house the inmates and relocate the staff.” 

On Friday, state correctional officers and unions spoke at the Minnesota State Capitol to protest the closing of the prison.

“The proposed state budget agreement that includes the closure of Stillwater Correctional Facility is not only shortsighted, it’s downright dangerous, disruptive and deeply disrespectful to the workers that keep the community safe and the inmates safe,” said Bart Andersen, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, during the Friday press conference.

The Walz administration says the move will save $40 million and eliminate the need to spend millions more on renovations or more than a billion dollars for a new prison.

However, many questions remain unanswered. It’s unclear how much it will cost to demolish the state’s second-oldest prison or what will happen with that state-owned site.

Gov. Walz says one thing that is part of the agreement is that it will not result in any early release of prisoners to make it happen.

“The agreement was and its very clear, includes no early release, include no changes to the incarceration sentences for the folks who are there,” Walz said Thursday.

If the plan is approved by lawmakers, the closure would phase in over four years with final closure set for June 30, 2029.