Bee County court approves up to $100,000 to finish Toledo Street jail renovation, renames facility 'Bee County Annex'

Bee County Commissioners voted to authorize up to $100,000 in additional funding to complete renovation work at the Toledo Street facility and approved renaming the building the Bee County Annex.

Francis Melvin, Bee County project manager and grant administrator, told the court the renovation is in its final stages: "All IT infrastructure is 100% complete and the HVAC system is fully operational," he said. Melvin said electrical work and interior construction were about 90% finished. He reported the project began with an encumbered budget of $500,000, that team savings during construction totaled roughly $129,745, but that an unanticipated plumbing contractor change and other issues produced cost increases; the project team estimated an overage of about $32,727 at the moment of the briefing.

Commissioners discussed options for completing outstanding work and the risk of rising costs if the project paused. After debate, the court approved an amended motion authorizing an additional not‑to‑exceed $100,000 to finish the project; the auditor stated funds were available in identified county accounts. The court recorded the vote as "passed without exception." The court instructed staff to return with firm quotes for final items (fire alarm integration, IT cooling, signage) before final accounting.

On a related agenda item the court voted to remove the lettering "Jail" from the facility and to replace it with "Annex," renaming the property the Bee County Annex. The court also approved removing the lettering bearing "Robert El Horn" from the building and presenting those letters to former Sheriff Horn as part of the transition.

The court recorded a target move‑in date of June 1 pending completion of flooring and final systems testing. Commissioners emphasized completing the work while contractors remain mobilized to avoid higher future costs.