Liberty County authorizes county attorney to solicit repair proposal from White Construction for county jail under emergency procurement exemption

The Liberty County Commissioners Court, in a special session, authorized the county attorney's office to provide written communication on behalf of the court to White Construction to solicit a proposal for repairs to the Liberty County Jail under emergency procurement measures.

The court first convened an executive session to discuss contracts and consultation with the county attorney pursuant to the transcript reference to Texas statutory provisions for deliberations about contracts being negotiated and attorney consultation. After returning to open session, the court considered a motion to allow the county attorney's office, working with the purchasing department, to solicit a proposal from White Construction for repairs to the jail under exemptions the court previously approved under Texas Local Government Code chapter 262. The motion as amended referenced exemptions to competitive bidding “as provided by the section” and specifically named chapter 262 during discussion; meeting participants also suggested section references including 262.04(a)(2) and 262.0482 while drafting the motion.

Commissioner Bruce moved the amended motion; Commissioner Greg seconded. The court voted in favor; members present responded “aye” and the motion carried.

Jim Snyder, identified in the meeting and speaking for White Construction as a senior vice president in the company's Houston office, told the court his team could be on site “tomorrow” if the court approved solicitation. He said a proposed fee schedule could be provided to purchasing in the short term and that, after an initial walk-through to define the scope, White Construction could deliver a written proposal “sometime next week.” He said a more refined cost estimate could follow within “30 days, maybe 45 days” after the company identifies the scope of repairs. Snyder described a phased approach, starting with structural, mechanical and electrical work, then moving to aesthetics and security, so some construction work could begin while additional scopes are refined and bid.

Snyder also said the firm would aim to provide a not-to-exceed figure that includes contingencies for early approvals and later produce market-driven lump-sum bids from subcontractors. He described prior emergency work his company performed on high-profile buildings and detention facilities as experience relevant to this job.

County staff and the contracting representative discussed compliance with jail commission standards and the need to coordinate with purchasing. Meeting remarks indicated the county previously passed a resolution in open court that allowed for an exemption to competitive bidding requirements to respond to a crisis to “preserve and protect the public safety of the residents of Liberty County, including the inmates of the jail and members of the community.” The court did not specify a dollar amount for the repairs at the meeting.

No dissenting votes or abstentions were recorded on the motion. Court members directed the county attorney and purchasing staff to proceed with written communication to White Construction and to coordinate the on-site inspection and follow-up proposal work.