Frio County approves $13,674 McKinstry amendment to repair jail smoke-control system

Frio County’s Commissioners Court approved Amendment No. 2 to a turnkey agreement with McKinstry to repair the smoke-control system in the Frio County Jail for $13,674, funded from a jail maintenance and upgrade line item.

Sheriff Pedro Peter Salinas introduced the request and a contractor who inspected the system described multiple legacy and improvised repairs, telling the court that the system "is over 36 years old" and that some parts were installed incorrectly or missing. The contractor said crews performed what they could during an initial visit and provided a prioritized list of items that need repair to restore reliable operation and allow the jail to maximize its occupancy under Texas inspection standards.

The county’s vendor warned the commissioners that even after the planned repairs the system may still require additional work; commissioners discussed inspection timing and noted that the Texas oversight entity conducting jail inspections will limit occupancy if backup smoke-control systems are not reliable. County staff and the vendor said they will pursue only the repairs necessary to bring the system back into compliance first, while documenting additional work for future budget cycles.

Commissioner Connell moved to approve the resolution permitting the judge to sign the agreement for the McKinstry work; Commissioner Martinez seconded and the motion passed. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with inspection scheduling and to return to the court for approval of any larger or follow-up expenditures.

No specific testing deadlines were listed other than the court’s direction to complete the necessary repairs and prepare for the next round of inspections. The agreement amendment was entered as a line-item maintenance expenditure and will be implemented by the sheriff’s facilities and maintenance staff in coordination with McKinstry.