Visitor from FOCUS/SCAD seeks court OK to advertise bids for old jail renovation under 2023 grant

Tal Jones, representing FOCUS (Five Original Counties United for Success) and employed by SCAD (Southeast Kentucky Economic Development), told the Owsley County Fiscal Court that a community development grant approved in 2023 would finance renovation of the county''s old jail into a coworking space and business accelerator and to refurbish a small stage in the town square.

Jones said the project has stalled because of misunderstandings over administration with the Cumberland Valley Area Development District and that SCAD/FOCUS were asked to step in to administer the line-item grant. He said the grant amount was cited in the presentation as $1,538,000 (read aloud in the transcript as "1000000 $538,000"). Jones said the administrative fees budgeted in the grant were $30,760 and that SCAD would round that to $30,000 and proposed a two-installment payment: $15,000 when work commences and $15,000 upon receipt of an occupancy certificate. He emphasized the work would come from grant proceeds and "will not come from the county budget."

Jones asked the court to authorize the judge and county attorney to advertise for architectural and engineering services so the county could select an architect/engineer and move the project forward. He said SCAD would present a short contract to the court at a later meeting and that the arrangement would include a clause allowing the court to terminate the contract if SCAD failed to perform.

Members asked questions about timing and inflation and noted concern that waiting would push hiring an architect another 60 days. Several members said advertising should carry little liability for the county and would not commit the county to hire a contractor. The presiding officer asked Jones to return the next meeting with additional stakeholders and asked that congressional staff be invited; Jones agreed to return and to provide his contact information.

A motion to advertise for architectural and engineering bids was made and seconded; court members indicated assent.

The court did not vote on a contract or on SCAD''s administration proposal at this meeting; Jones said he would return with a contract for the court''s review. The court also discussed the risk that federal grantors might rescind or claw back unused awards if the project is not executed promptly, a concern Jones said had been raised by Congressman Rogers' office.

Next steps: SCAD/FOCUS will provide a short contract and return to the court; the court authorized advertising for architecture/engineering services to begin the procurement process.

Quote: "This project will be 0 net cost for the county," Jones said, adding SCAD would not use county funds for its administrative fees.

Ending: The court moved on to other agenda items after confirming the motion to advertise and scheduling follow-up at a future meeting.