County planning staff and a cross-agency committee recommended MW Studios as the architect/engineer to program and design a North End public safety complex, and the commission voted to accept the recommendation on May 1.

Gary (county official) told commissioners the firm was chosen after a competitive procurement that drew multiple qualified proposals. The contract authorizes phase‑one programming and design work at $157,350; MW Studios provided a not-to-exceed construction delivery estimate of about $1,036,880 for the full design-to-construction services package. Staff described the overall project as a roughly 30,000‑square‑foot complex that could serve multiple agencies: a sheriff substation, backup 9‑1‑1/PSAP capacity, ambulances, and fire company bays. Commissioners and staff discussed site access, potential multi‑story construction to manage parcel size and proximity to Brown Road and Route 9, and whether additional adjacent parcels might be needed.

Commissioner discussion emphasized cost control and defining needs versus wants before final construction documents. A county official said preliminary construction estimates ranged from about $10 million to $13 million but that detailed scope and phasing will be defined by the programming process. The commission approved the award to MW Studios by motion and voice vote; staff will proceed with programming and complete design documents so the board and partner agencies can review final cost and scope choices before construction procurement.

Ending: The approved services cover programming, design and construction-phase services. Staff will work with the fire board, sheriff’s office and ambulance authority to refine needs, review site logistics and return with final costs and a proposed financing plan for the commission to consider.