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Officials say detention-center fire-panel estimate jumped to $350,000–$450,000
Summary
County staff reported that an initial $130,000 estimate for a 35-year-old detention-center fire control panel was revised after a site visit to an estimated $350,000–$450,000, sparking questions about whether the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) would contribute and whether emergency procurement is warranted.
Scott County Fiscal Court was told March 26 that a planned replacement of the detention center27s aging fire-control panel will likely cost far more than initially budgeted.
Staff reported the system is original to the building (about 35 years old) and that a preliminary budget line of roughly $130,000 was based on an initial quote. A hands-on vendor inspection returned a markedly higher estimate: "Instead of 130, they're estimating 350 to 450," staff told the court, prompting multiple magistrates to ask whether the county could split the scope, press the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for reimbursement, or declare an emergency to speed procurement.
Staff said the vendor advised it would be more cost-effective to replace the whole system rather than separating the judicial and corrections sides; the court discussed whether AOC would contribute if the judicial branch still operates in the building. Members weighed whether to move the line to capital spending and asked staff to seek AOC guidance and update budget estimates.
No formal emergency procurement was declared at the meeting; staff said they would check with AOC and the county budget office and provide updated numbers to the court.
Next steps: staff will obtain clarified bids, consult with AOC and the budget committee, and propose how to reflect the estimate in the county capital plan or operating budget.
