Kaufman County approves juvenile detention consulting and construction management contracts

Kaufman County Commissioner—s Court voted Aug. 26 to approve two agreements tied to the planned juvenile detention center: a consulting contract with Scott Matthews and a construction-management task order with Kitchell CEM.

The court authorized a $15,000 flat-fee consultant contract with Scott Matthews, a former Williamson County juvenile probation executive and member of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department board, to advise the county and juvenile board during planning and construction. Trennis Ramsey, who presented the item, said the juvenile board had approved the engagement and that the $15,000 fee will be paid from the juvenile board budget, not the county general fund. "I think that's a bargain," one commissioner said before the court approved the contract by motion.

Separately the court approved Task Order No. 2 under the county—s existing contract with Kitchell CEM to serve as the county—s owner—s representative and construction management agent for the detention project. County staff recommended awarding Task Order No. 2 to Kitchell at $1,270,730. Kitchell representative Cameron Glass told the court the firm has extensive experience managing juvenile-justice facilities and that the firm's role would include preconstruction, procurement, daily construction oversight and closeout services. The court approved the task order by motion.

Why it matters: The consultant and construction-management contracts are intended to reduce the county—s implementation risk by bringing specialist experience to ensure the facility meets state requirements and project timelines. County staff emphasized the agreements are designed to prevent costly mistakes during the build.

Procurement and funding notes: Presenters said the $15,000 consultant fee will be covered from the juvenile board budget; the Kitchell task-order cost was presented as part of the project budget. During discussion, county legal and finance staff confirmed the contracts were reviewed by counsel and that the county remains responsible for task-order payments under its procurement rules.

Next steps: Approval gives the county judge authority to finalize and sign the agreements and allows Kitchell and the consultant to begin the preconstruction and planning work. The juvenile board and project team will provide updates to the court as procurement and design proceed.

Ending: The court approved both items by motion and will move forward with consultant and construction-management oversight for the juvenile detention project.