Weber County to move ahead with procurement for $30 million sheriff's medical/mental-health expansion; commissioners stress budget limits

Weber County commissioners on Dec. 22 discussed restarting work on a planned medical and mental-health expansion at the sheriff's office and directed staff to begin procurement for a contractor while protecting the project's $30 million budget cap.

Commissioners and staff said the project total is $30 million: about $10 million expected from opioid settlement funds that will be allocated to programming and $20 million from county capital-project funds. Stephanie (county staff) told the commission GSBS' design work has progressed and that the county has spent about $400,000 to date, which is included in the $30 million total.

Commissioners said they want to bring a contractor on early so the contractor can participate in finishing design and help control costs. Commissioner comments emphasized the need to ensure infrastructure and soft costs are included in the $30 million cap and to avoid scope creep. "We don't want any surprises," a commissioner said; another said contractors often assume extra funds beyond the base number and urged clear contract language and options to reduce scope if bids exceed the budget.

County staff and GSBS representatives said they are prepared to proceed with procurement and recommended early contractor involvement for value engineering. Commissioners signaled support for beginning procurement under the condition that contracts explicitly reflect the $30 million limit and contingency expectations.

Next steps: staff to schedule procurement, to bring a contractor in early to participate in final design and value-engineering, and to return to the commission with contract language and cost-control measures; work will proceed within the $30 million total unless commissioners authorize changes.