Commissioners approve State Fire Marshal plan-review contract despite concern over $165,000 expenditure
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Summary
The Board approved a contract to submit jail and behavioral-health facility plans to the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal for review. Commissioner Lowe questioned spending $165,000 before voter approval for a jail funding measure; the contract was approved and county staff said funds had already been encumbered.
The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners approved a contract to submit jail and behavioral-health facility plans to the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal for plan review and on-site inspection. Commissioners and staff discussed both the scope of the state review and whether the county should spend an estimated $165,000 now while broader funding (including a sales tax measure) has not been finalized.
Why it matters: The contract affects review and inspection of county construction projects, including a jail and a behavioral health care center under construction. One commissioner raised budgetary concerns about committing taxpayer funds before county-wide funding measures have been decided.
Details: County staff explained the contract covers plan review by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal; an on-site inspection will follow after construction is completed. Staff told commissioners they had asked the State Fire Marshal to consider reducing the rate in writing. Commissioner Lowe said, “My concern is, you know, we we need money to pay for this jail. So my concern is us spending a $165,000, on something that is not guaranteed to happen. We don't have a sales tax on the ballot. Nothing is moving forward. So, you know, I have I really have some reservations about moving forward spending the taxpayers money, which is a $165,000 on something that's possibly not gonna happen.”
Board action and context: County staff said the vendor had been set up the day before and funds were encumbered if the board approved. Another commissioner supported moving forward, noting the contract also applies to the behavioral health care center project and that the review is necessary to protect patients and staff. The motion to approve the contract passed.
What’s next: Staff anticipated possible future amendments to the contract if the State Fire Marshal grants a rate reduction. The county will proceed with plan submittal and follow-up approvals and inspections under state and local regulations.