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Commissioners approve up to $285,000 budget amendment to upgrade jail elevator; staff to ratify exact contract later
Summary
The court approved an authorization to upgrade the jail elevator and increased the previously estimated repair budget to approximately $285,000, with a budget amendment drawing from permanent improvements and a follow‑up ratification planned when exact contract figures are known.
The court approved a request to upgrade and modernize the jail elevator after maintenance staff reported parts were unavailable and the system had multiple failing components.
Maintenance supervisor Brad Thomas told the court that an initial estimate provided by the elevator vendor was roughly $100,000‑$115,000 but that a later capital plan revision increased the projected cost to about $285,000. Thomas said the elevator is the only means to move inmates to other floors and that the county needs the work completed as soon as parts become available.
County auditor Darla Haynes told the court a budget amendment would be required and recommended drawing funds from the county’s permanent improvement reserves into the current budget. Commissioners discussed using a ratification process once the exact contracted amount is available in order to reflect the final invoice.
The court amended the motion on the floor to change the estimated authorization from “approximately $100,000–$115,000” to “approximately $285,000” and approved the authorization with the condition that a follow‑up ratification be filed when the final contract price is known. Motion to approve the amended amount was made by Commissioner Ebarb and seconded by Commissioner Timmons; the motion passed 5‑0.
Why it matters: county staff described the elevator work as essential to jail operations and said the vendor advised parts lead time of several weeks. Commissioners authorized the larger contingency to ensure funding is available and asked that staff file a ratification with the exact contracted amount when received.
