Jackson County project team says jail on track for Dec. 10 substantial completion, June 2026 occupancy

Manny Abarca, chair of the Public Works Committee, heard an update from county staff and contractors that the new Jackson County jail remains on target for substantial completion on Dec. 10 and for occupancy and staffing in June 2026.

The county’s construction team said third-party commissioning by Burns & McDonnell is under way and will intensify after substantial completion to verify systems, train corrections staff and complete final checks. Brian Gaddy, Public Works, said the correctional department requested a slightly extended transition period to “ensure that we have everything, all the kinks worked out before it is populated.” Jeff Jenkins, a project consultant with JEDEM, told the committee he did not “foresee anything” that would prevent the June 2026 transition.

The status update matters because the construction timeline affects staffing, operations start-up and related county budgets. Committee members asked about how the county will manage public engagement and visibility once the building is substantially complete; staff said tours and community viewings can be arranged with coordination and security controls.

Project progress and schedule County staff reported the project is a little more than 50% complete. Officials said the administration building and large portions of the facility are enclosed and interior installation and equipment…