Public Works recommends up to $500,000 in engineering work for county jail mechanical upgrades

Dougherty County — At the Dec. 9 work session, Public Works staff recommended that the commission accept a professional services proposal from Andrew Hammock & Powell (Macon) not to exceed $500,000 to develop engineering designs for mechanical upgrades at the county jail.

Public Works representatives said the facility is more than 30 years old and requires replacement or refurbishment of large mechanical systems — chillers, boilers, hot‑water heaters and multiple air‑handling units — plus kitchen upgrades and security work. "There's going to be some re‑engineering of some of the equipment because there is equipment that, as you know, is antiquated," one engineer said in describing the scope.

Staff said the engineering contract will include a pre‑design cost estimate and a second estimate when construction documents (CDs) are complete so commissioners can track life‑cycle costs and anticipate future capital needs. The project team told the board the engineering phase will also schedule site visits and identify opportunities to reduce operating costs (for example, through higher‑efficiency boilers and chillers).

Commissioners asked whether the work would require partial closure or relocation of inmates; engineers said they planned contingencies, and staff noted the sheriff's department anticipates a new facility groundbreaking in February, which could mitigate operational impacts during construction. The session did not record a formal vote; the item was presented as a Public Works recommendation for board consideration and further action.

The item will return to commissioners for procurement or contract approval once design proposals and detailed cost estimates are complete.