Sheriff updates commissioners on jail fire repairs; court approves RFQ for new jail design services

Liberty County Sheriff briefed the commissioners on repairs and remaining work at the county jail following a recent fire, and the commissioners approved issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for architectural and engineering services for a new county jail facility.

The sheriff reported that vendors discovered additional needs while installing approved door locks and an intercom system, including 40 more locks that will add cost, and provided several vendor quotes: $136,005.90 for an additional lock-related charge, $140,008.64 for an electronic key‑card system, and a $190,045 quote to restore certain dorms. The sheriff said plumbing drains and other repairs “have been repaired” and that parts for some air-conditioning units are expected around Aug. 1. He described separate restoration work handled by the county’s insurance and said there are additional, unquoted costs such as expanded metal on the east…