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Commissioners approve DRG fee proposal for jail expansion after heated public comments (3–2)
Summary
Public speakers urged delay and transparency before expanding the county jail; DRG Architects defended its selection and scope. The court accepted DRG's fee proposal and will return a final contract for signature; motion passed 3–2.
Several residents and activists used the Nov. 25 meeting to urge the court to pause the jail expansion and provide more transparency about DRG Architects, citing past jail incidents and urging alternatives to adding bed capacity.
Scott Clayton called for the county to "table this" and demanded cost breakdowns and accountability, referencing a death‑in‑custody case and asking that any expansion emphasize rehabilitation and oversight rather than simply adding cells.
Wayne Gondek of DRG Architects responded that DRG was selected through an earlier qualifications process, has supported the county through the bond planning cycle and is prepared to deliver architectural and design services through the post‑bond stages. Gondek explained what is included in the scope (structured cabling, detention furniture design, security electronics design) and discussed reimbursable expenses (travel, insurance) and the firm's customary 10% administrative handling on reimbursables.
Commissioners debated options including re‑soliciting qualifications, the structure of the contract and reimbursable add‑ons. Commissioner Wilson moved to accept the DRG fee proposal with final contract details to return to the court; Commissioner Andrews seconded. The motion passed 3–2 with noted dissent by another commissioner recorded as "nay." The county attorney's office has reviewed the proposal and a final contract will be brought back for signature with contract terms clarified.
Next step: details of the final contract will be presented at a future commissioners' meeting for signature and the procurement path for construction will follow a qualifications‑then‑price approach (RFP/RFQ phases).
