Potter County commissioners approve talks with Burns Architecture for jail study amid debate over scope and cost

Potter County commissioners on Monday authorized modified contract negotiations with Burns Architecture LLC to begin a conceptual needs analysis and planning process for the county jail, saying they want a careful, options-based study before committing to large construction dollars.

The action follows a lengthy public discussion and presentations from Burns Architecture principal Kenny Burns, who described a two-part approach: a roughly $40,000 initial conceptual planning phase to determine needs and options, followed by larger design fees if the court decides to proceed. Commissioner Coble made the motion to enter negotiations; the court directed staff and Burns to revise contract language to make the first phase a study and bring the revised agreement back for consideration.

The vote does not finalize construction or design services; commissioners said the outcome would be a workshop and a conceptual report that explores alternatives and costs. "You cannot design a jail for $40,000. That's only to do the upfront preliminary very preliminary stuff to help…