County approves value‑engineering changes on behavioral care center, returns $266,863 to contingency

Oklahoma County commissioners on June 24 approved seven value‑engineering recommendations for the county's behavioral care center project, county engineering staff said, returning $266,863 to the project contingency.

The changes were presented by Stacy, an engineering staff member, who told commissioners the team's review — which included input from Plinko, HOK, the owner's representative and county staff — identified seven items that reduce cost without lowering project quality. "Saves us money, but there's no quality reduction on the project," Stacy said.

Stacy said the recommendations came after a value‑engineering analysis completed over the prior month. "We'll be able to put $266,863 back to contingency," Stacy said. Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the recommended items; the motion carried.

Discussion focused on preserving project quality while trimming costs. Stacy said several other proposed changes were rejected after review. The board's action is limited to approving the seven recommended items; no changes to project scope or new contracts were reported at the meeting.

Background: county staff and outside consultants earlier conducted a review intended to lower project cost risk while maintaining design intent. The returned contingency will remain available for unforeseen construction needs or future approved changes.

The commissioners did not announce a revised project schedule or new contractors as part of the vote.