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Owen County commissioners press for firm cost and schedule on proposed jail
Summary
Commissioners asked contractors for a guaranteed maximum price and a clear schedule for the proposed jail, set target dates to have numbers for the county council and to be under contract by October; no formal action was taken.
Owen County commissioners discussed next steps for a proposed county jail on Aug. 2025, pressing contractors for a firm, all-in cost estimate and asking staff to speed work toward a contract.
Commissioner Norm Warner said he wants a hard, all-inclusive price for the design shown by the county’s team and that he expects contractors to return with a guaranteed maximum price. Warner asked for the figure and related soft costs so the commissioners and the county council can weigh how much to fund the project.
The discussion included representatives of the firms working on the project and the sheriff’s office. Commissioners and consultants described a typical path from the current design to a GMP — selecting finishes and trade decisions, then “working backwards” to the price — and stressed the desire to avoid change orders after signing. Warner told the group he would like the contractors’ firm cost estimate by the commissioners’ next meeting so the county council can receive consolidated figures at its meeting on Sept. 8.
Commissioners also discussed the administrative steps the county must take before construction contracting can begin. Staff explained a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) resolution and related selection process could be placed on the commissioners’ agenda quickly; once passed, an RFP, selection committee and interviews would follow. Warner and other commissioners said they want a contract in place by Oct. 1 if possible.
No formal motion or vote on awarding or approving construction financing occurred during the discussion. County staff and the contractors committed to return with a GMP-style price and supporting cost breakdowns to allow the commissioners to coordinate with the county council on how much to fund and how to structure payments.
The county attorney and financial consultant participated in the discussion and advised that a BOT resolution can limit the county’s exposure by fixing the contract price unless the scope of work changes.
Looking forward, commissioners set an informal timetable: receive contractor cost estimates by the commissioners’ next meeting, present consolidated figures to the county council on Sept. 8, and pursue a contract/selection process that could lead to an October contract date if council funding and the contractor numbers align.
Ending: Commissioners said they will continue working with the sheriff, the jail commander and the project consultants and expect cost and financing numbers at the next meeting so they and the county council can make funding decisions.
