Contractors are advancing work at the Wheatley jail while county leaders prepare to finalize medical services contracts.

At the start of the meeting Speaker 2 provided a progress report on the Wheatley jail, saying “The MEP or mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough ends are working from the south half, working the kitchen up the secure corridor and into the sheriff's office” and noting that sheetrock finishing was nearly complete upstairs and painters were scheduled to begin. Speaker 2 described masonry work progressing outward and the installation of security mesh above ceilings.

Commissioners raised site-specific concerns about drainage after site cleanup revealed the blacktop sits higher than the base in places; Speaker 1 said the elevation makes drainage an issue and Speaker 2 explained that trench drains and stubbed pipes were placed at the sally port and connector corridors to route water east and north away from the facility.

The board moved to an attorney–client executive session to discuss jail medical services contracts. Speaker 1 read a motion to enter a 20‑minute executive session including the commissioners, Sheriff Tom Johnson, Undersheriff Eric Smith and the county counselor to discuss privileged matters and jail medical services under the cited Kansas statute; the motion was seconded and passed. The board returned later and reported no immediate action taken at that time.

What happens next: county staff will continue construction oversight and bring any contract recommendations or required action back to the commission for public decision.