Jail expansion nears finish of housing pod; contractor says final cleanings, training to follow

Contractors reported steady progress Thursday on the county jail expansion project, including near-completion work in a newly added Unit C housing pod and site work around a planned pre-engineered building.

Paul Fernandez of Ajax Builders told commissioners mechanical systems are started, ceiling work and above-ceiling inspections are complete, and crews are proceeding with testing, balancing and final accessory installation such as detention furniture and the inmate phone system. Fernandez said crews will continue punch-list work and shift into closeout procedures with owner training in coming weeks.

Joe Merack of Secure said inspection frequency has increased as multiple trades work simultaneously; he said three-day-on visits every two weeks have become the pattern to review progress and verify closeout documentation. Merack said the first formal punch list will be published to the contractor the day of the meeting and that closeout submittals have begun arriving in his office.

Contractors said a slab for a pre-engineered “A” building is in place, and final parking and site work remain. They also said available on-site dirt will be repurposed for grading, parking and other county needs; remaining millings and fill from Lofton Road may be used to cap parking areas. Commissioners and staff reviewed punch-list progress and were told most items are nearly complete, with two outstanding items the contractor expects to finish in the coming week, including electrical improvements.

No formal action was required. The county and contractor agreed to continue coordination and to notify the board if additional meetings with jail staff are needed for final acceptance.