The Williams County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 7 approved up to $4,345,000 to repurpose dormitory space at the county jail into a 3,200-square-foot infirmary and awarded the construction manager-at-risk selection to JE Dunn.

The county’s administrator said the project will repurpose secure dormitory space into a medical infirmary and related upgrades, and that JE Dunn submitted a price of $4,345,000 to complete the work in the secure area of the jail. “JE Dunn gives it to us as 4.4 No. $4,345,000 to do this work in the secure space of the jail,” the administrator said during the meeting.

The county also authorized staff to negotiate and finalize the CMAR contract with JE Dunn, to update the contract with architect EAPC to reflect current pricing, and to allow the chairman to sign the agreements. Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed and to award JE Dunn the CMAR role.

Why it matters: county leaders said the infirmary became a higher priority after the pandemic showed limits in existing medical isolation and care space. The project includes related work — a laundry room refurbishment and replacement of heavy‑traffic intake flooring — which county staff said should be completed while contractors are onsite.

Key details and next steps: the county carried $2.7 million for the project in its budget; the contract award reflects higher current pricing and includes owner contingency and FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) allowances. County staff estimated that, in a worst-case scenario, the county might need to transfer about $600,000 from the general fund to cover the difference between budgeted and current costs. Officials said they will hold preconstruction meetings and seek cost savings where possible and will return to the commission with a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) when that figure is finalized.

Timeline and logistics: JE Dunn indicated construction of the infirmary portion would take about four and a half months. Commissioners also approved awarding JE Dunn as CMAR and directed county attorneys and staff to finalize the CMAR contract and related amendments to the architect agreement.

Quotes from the meeting: “It is always more expensive to do this work in this area because there are all sorts of, it's just trickier,” the county administrator said, describing cost drivers in the secure area.

What the action does not do: commissioners authorized staff to negotiate and execute the CMAR and architect contract amendments and to return with the GMP; the vote did not itself authorize any transfers from the general fund — officials said they would return with final numbers and a formal transfer if needed.

Context: Commissioners said the infirmary need had been discussed for several years and was prioritized following pandemic lessons. The county said it will present the GMP and any final budget adjustments to the commission before releasing construction funds.

Ending note: With JE Dunn selected and authority to finalize contracts granted, county staff expect to proceed to preconstruction, finalize a GMP for commission review, and begin construction pending those steps.