County previewed Phase 2 of jail renovation; staff said contract amendment to GMP likely

County staff and representatives preparing Phase 2 of the county jail renovation told commissioners the work will likely require an amendment to the original Guaranteed Maximum Price and that design plans should be reviewed before any approvals.

A staff summary framed Phase 2 as work that was not fully scoped when the original GMP was set, and said project leaders had favored proceeding with a base Phase 1 scope while deferring specific Phase 2 numbers until more detailed design and bidding were complete. Staff said preliminary bids presented by the contractor show the base design and alternates could be under the originally anticipated budget, and that alternates and contingencies will be identified in forthcoming documents.

Staff flagged that the primary function of the renovation is to add a secure circulation path between the new jail and courthouse spaces, with other court-related renovations tied to the project. They advised the board that decisions on Phase 2 should come only after commissioners have reviewed design plans and understood construction sequencing, because construction can cause tension between maintaining court operations and giving contractors needed access. Staff said River City and Goldberg will appear on the Nov. 3 agenda to present Phase 2 preliminary numbers; commissioners were told to expect materials and a formal request for consideration of adjustments to the GMP.

Why it matters: The jail renovation affects county capital spending, courthouse operations and public-safety logistics; a formal amendment to the GMP would have budgetary and procurement consequences and may require subsequent public approvals.

Next steps: River City will present preliminary Phase 2 costs on the Nov. 3 agenda; staff will provide design plans and revised budget documents prior to any vote.