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 end and a new camera system.

The sheriff estimated cumulative costs to date and for approved bids at roughly $2,148,415, while noting that the camera quote and some other items had not yet been received. He also reported the facility population and staffing: as of the report the jail held 111 people, 165 were out on contract, and 10 professional officer classes began for staff licensing. He said the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDC) is delayed on transfers and paperwork and that the county remains on TDC’s list.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they want regular updates so the court and staff can be prepared for the jail standards review and any necessary funding or procurement decisions. Separately, the court voted to move forward on the procurement process for a new facility.

What commissioners did: The court voted to accept the sheriff’s report (motion to accept the report; motion carried). Later in the meeting the court approved issuing RFQ No. 25-12 for professional architectural and engineering services to develop a new county jail facility and set a selection process and evaluation committee; commissioners discussed procurement methods and adding a public member to the evaluation panel.

Details and context - Security systems: Vendor work crews are scheduled to prepare door frames Aug. 4 and to install security controls and locks the week of Aug. 11. The sheriff said the key‑card option would allow correctional officers and supervisors to open doors if master control is inoperable. - Restoration and insurance: The sheriff described both county‑funded restoration work (plumbing, shower supports, replacement parts) and separate restoration that will be handled by the county’s insurance provider; he said some restoration covered by insurance may total roughly $300,000 (estimate provided by sheriff). The sheriff emphasized parts and replacement components for jail‑specific fixtures are more expensive because of the facility’s equipment requirements. - Capacity and staffing: The sheriff reported 111 in‑custody, 165 out on contract, and that staff are using professional officer classes to meet licensing requirements. He said TDC has changed procedures and is slower to process transfers. - Next steps: The sheriff said he will return with another update at an upcoming meeting. The court authorized staff to proceed with the RFQ for jail design services; the solicitation will select an architect/engineer who will advise on procurement approach (design‑bid, design‑build, etc.).

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to return with firm quotes for outstanding items (cameras, expanded metal) and scheduled continued updates. The court recorded no further formal actions from the executive session called later in the meeting.