Commissioners approve sheriff's office renovation GMP after debate over funding and scope

The Rockwall County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved Amendment No. 1 to the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) with SCI Construction for the sheriff's office renovation, and separately approved an FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) amendment with Park Hill. The votes were 5-0.

The court voted to approve the SCI amendment that covers the construction phase labeled "phase 1," which Commissioner Stacy presented as the immediate constructible work. Dan Jones, project manager for SCI Construction, explained that the contractor has front-loaded many mechanical, electrical and plumbing procurements into phase 1 to lock in vendor pricing and preserve schedule. Commissioner Leckte moved to approve Amendment No. 1; Commissioner Stacy seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

The sheriff's renovation is part of a larger project package the court described as necessary to expand workspace for law enforcement, emergency management and related court functions. Commissioner Stacy said the project has $5.4 million in committed funding and an all-in cost estimate of about $7.3 million, leaving a shortfall of roughly $1.8 million. He said the court's plan is to use a combination of remaining fund balance in fiscal 2026 and other…