Cochise County reviews owner's representative proposal, 90-day plan as jail bond and publicity timetable loom

Cochise County officials heard a presentation July 23 from Banner, a construction and program management firm proposed as an owner's representative for the county's planned jail replacement, and discussed next steps including a 90-day startup plan, budget targets and materials for the ballot publicity pamphlet.

The presentation came during a work session of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and the Cochise County Jail District board. Sharon Gilman, the county administrator, introduced the Banner team and said the county completed a jail-planning study in May and is moving into design and construction planning.

Banner project manager Cody Newsom said Banner would act as an advocate and independent third-party representing the county throughout planning, design and construction. "I will be your principal in charge for the new jail project," Newsom said. He described Banner's experience with detention projects and said the firm's role is to protect taxpayer dollars and help the county make informed decisions during design and construction.

Banner project director Mike Bieber and project manager Shannon Lobdell detailed services Banner would provide, including stakeholder coordination,…