Lincoln County approves emergency repairs to north sally‑port door at detention center

Lincoln County commissioners on Jan. 27 approved emergency repairs to the north sally‑port door at the county detention center and authorized payment to the vendor while the county’s insurer pursues recovery.

The board accepted a proposal from Weathercraft Companies for repairs totaling $22,940 and authorized a $3,970 down payment. Sheriff Jerome Kramer told commissioners the damaged door presented a security risk and that the county would initially cover the repair cost; the county’s insurer would seek reimbursement from the other party’s policy.

The door was damaged when a vehicle attempted to exit the sally‑port while the door was closing, Jerome Kramer said. “It needs to be done. It needs to be done now,” Kramer said during the meeting, adding that “we have a $1,500 deductible that we need to pay.”

Booker Boyer, director of Building Grounds, described efforts to secure bids and said Weathercraft produced the responsive estimate after another vendor did not return a bid. Commissioners discussed cost details and payment timing; the board approved the Weathercraft proposal as an emergency procurement so the detention center is not left without a functioning security door.

A commissioner’s motion, adopted by roll call, directed staff to pay the vendor and let the insurer pursue subrogation against the other party’s insurer. Commissioners also discussed updating county procedures for emergency procurements and suggested the rules committee coordinate with the county attorney and the county insurance agent to clarify thresholds and processes for future emergency repairs.

The motion passed on a roll call vote with the board recording a unanimous affirmative vote for the action.