County explores lease of unused juvenile facility for U.S. Marshals; private operator proposes turnkey arrangement

Kerr County Commissioners on Tuesday authorized staff to pursue a sources-sought response and examine a potential lease of the county—s vacant juvenile detention facility after a presentation from a consultant representing Texas Veterans Security.

Jacqueline Klein of J Klein Consulting, speaking on behalf of Texas Veterans Security, told the court the U.S. Marshals Service issued a sources-sought notice seeking secure, existing juvenile detention facilities in the service area and that Kerr County—s vacant juvenile facility could meet the government—s requirements. Klein said a sources-sought response is nonbinding market research and would make the county and any private partner eligible to receive a formal solicitation if the government chooses to proceed.

Klein said her client proposes a turnkey lease arrangement in which Texas Veterans Security would staff and operate the facility, pay for required upgrades and maintenance to meet federal and state detention standards, and leave ownership with the county to avoid an operational burden. She said the company holds small-business certifications that could strengthen a federal award and that the facility could accommodate a minimum of five beds (the notice minimum) with the potential to expand.

Chief Jason Davis and others briefed the court on site conditions and likely upgrade needs; Klein said key upgrades could include a new generator for HVAC and telecom and access-control improvements. Klein and the judge said the older juvenile facility is currently used for county storage and has been vacant for detention purposes since 2017.

The court voted unanimously to authorize a statement of intent to the U.S. Marshals Service so the county and the proposer can respond to the June 3 sources-sought deadline and evaluate next steps if a solicitation is issued.