Osceola County reviews jail remodel progress and approves $9,560 security change order

The Osceola County board heard a detailed construction update on the jail remodel and approved a $9,560 change order for security electronic and detention hardware.

A construction presenter identified in the transcript as Speaker 4 told the board that interior precast work and grouting were underway, concrete floor slabs would be finished by the end of the week or the following week, and underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing work was about 98% complete. "Total cost of the changes was $9,560 for the security electronic and connection hardware changes," Speaker 4 said when introducing the change order recommendation.

The speaker said some operational adjustments — including adding card readers and thumb turns in specific areas such as laundry, the armory and the evidence room — drove the change order. He also said the project team removed or altered other items to offset costs and estimated that the team had saved roughly $507,000 through value changes and negotiations.

Board members pressed for detail on cost increases elsewhere in the contract. One member questioned a $63,185 rise in "section 2" allowances and asked why architect and engineering fees had increased. Speaker 4 responded that his fee had not risen but that architect and engineer services had, noting a roughly $120,000 increase to those disciplines.

Speaker 1 moved to approve the security-electronics change order, Speaker 2 supported the motion, and the chair called the voice vote in favor. The motion passed.

Next steps: the construction team said remaining exterior work and the mezzanine pour would continue, and the board will receive additional updates as the schedule progresses.