Sheriff reports timeline and cost estimates for jail repairs after fire; commissioners accept report

The Liberty County sheriff reported to the Commissioners Court on July 22 that jail repairs tied to a recent fire will require additional work, vendors and expense and provided a timeline for remaining tasks.

The update matters because the jail is a county-managed public-safety facility and the repairs include security components (locks, intercoms, cameras) and structural work that affect operations, inmate housing and the county budget.

Sheriff (name not specified) told the court the installation team discovered the facility needed 40 additional door locks beyond what was originally ordered, producing “an additional charge ... $136,005.90,” and that a vendor will begin work on door frames on Aug. 4 followed by installation of safety/security controls about a week later. The sheriff said the court has a quote to add key card access for supervisory staff and control points; that quote was given as $140,008.64 if the court chooses to purchase it.

The sheriff said restoration work continues in dorms and showers. He reported a quoted cost for dorm restoration work of $190,045 that “does not include all the restoration that had begun by the insurance company,” and said the insurance company had previously committed funds (the sheriff referenced roughly $300,000 in insurance work). He also said county maintenance and repairs to plumbing, drains, toilets, showers and sinks have been completed or are in progress and estimated that work done so far on those items totaled roughly $200,000.

On equipment and systems, the sheriff said a camera-system vendor will perform a walk-through to provide an estimate and that parts for certain air-conditioning units are expected to arrive about Aug. 1. He reported the freezer was repaired and that food was recovered. On staffing the jail, he said 10 correctional officers were in training and working to obtain certifications or temporary licensure.

The sheriff closed by saying he will return with another status report next week. County officials moved to accept the sheriff’s report; a motion to accept the report was made and seconded and the court recorded the motion as carrying.

The account to the court included many quoted vendor prices and projected dates; commissioners asked for continuing updates and for staff to bring final bids and camera quotes back to court for formal approval. The sheriff said the full completion cost remains under ongoing estimate and will depend on the camera quote and additional work on roof and expanded metal on the east end of the facility.