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Halifax County approves second amendment to detention center capital project; commissioners raise capacity and infrastructure questions
Summary
The board approved a second amendment adding $1,062,200 to the detention center project appropriation to cover additional design and preconstruction costs, including a new on‑site pump station and preconstruction services. Commissioners questioned whether the proposed 218‑bed facility and $42 million construction estimate meet long‑term needs.
Halifax County staff requested and the Board of Commissioners approved a second amendment to the capital project ordinance for the new county detention center on Dec. 1, authorizing additional appropriations to continue design development and preconstruction work.
Project staff presented four attachments: a Moseley invoice covering design services (transcribed total $937,050), a professional services amendment for additional pump‑station design work (about $90,000), a preconstruction services fee proposal from the construction manager at‑risk (lump sum $210,000), and the second amendment to the capital project ordinance covering these items. Staff asked for an additional appropriation of $1,062,200 to fund these next stages of work and keep the project on schedule.
Commissioners pressed staff on capacity and cost figures. The presentation cited a design capacity of 218 beds and a construction estimate (as transcribed) of approximately $42,000,000; staff said the $42 million addresses construction, with an additional $8 million shown in the package for permitting, design contingencies and other costs. Commissioners also raised concerns about the town’s sewer capacity and why an on‑site pump station was now required; staff said the pump‑station need emerged during coordination with the town and required added design work.
After discussion the board voted to adopt the second amendment and appropriations, and staff noted intent to seek financing and to recoup front‑end costs from project financing proceeds where possible. Commissioners asked for better communications about unforeseen scope changes to avoid repeated add‑ons in future amendments.
