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Lawrence County authorizes signing of jail substantial-completion certificate as federal inmate revenues start
Summary
Commissioners authorized the chair to sign a certificate of substantial completion for the county's new public safety facility dated Feb. 28 and discussed growing federal inmate revenue; punch-list work and over $1 million in retainage remain.
Lawrence County commissioners voted to authorize the chairman to electronically sign a certificate of substantial completion for the county's new public service and safety facility, setting the date of substantial completion at Friday, Feb. 28.
The action follows the sheriff's report that the facility is operational with federal inmates in place. "As of today, we have 43 federal inmates," the sheriff told commissioners, and he estimated that figure would generate about $3,010 per day, "which, should we hold somewhere close to this average, would be over a million dollars in annual revenue." He also told the board that the number is likely to fluctuate.
The nut graf: Commissioners signed the certificate to allow final contracting steps to proceed while staff and the sheriff's office continue to work through a punch list and remaining construction items, and with significant retainage still held.
Sheriff and county staff described remaining work and next steps. Staff asked the board to authorize signing to facilitate final closeout; the sheriff and highway/maintenance staff said punch-list items remain and landscaping, monument signs and other exterior items will be completed as weather allows. County counsel and staff reminded commissioners that the certificate refers to an "Exhibit A" listing outstanding work and that the existence of an item on that exhibit does not excuse completing it.
Commissioners discussed a public ribbon-cutting or opening; no formal date was set during the meeting. Staff also reported that federal inmate capacity and daily payments have improved the facility's revenue outlook but cautioned the board that inmate counts and daily receipts may vary.
The board's action today authorized final administrative signoff but did not remove standard contracting retainage: staff noted there remains "over a million dollars in retainage" calculated to cover unfinished work.
Ending: Staff said they will return with updates as the punch list is closed and as the county schedules an opening event; the sheriff said staff will continue to pursue additional contract placements and other revenue opportunities to reduce the facility's debt-service burden on local taxpayers.
