Commissioners debate feasibility study for old jail; raise conflict‑of‑interest concerns
Summary
A committee proposed a needs assessment and feasibility study (not to exceed $6,000) for the old jail to explore reuse; several commissioners opposed hiring the presenter because he indicated interest in operating the facility and asked for a non‑biased third party or no action until other consultants are identified.
A committee presentation recommended a needs assessment and feasibility study for the county’s old jail to determine whether the facility could be repurposed once current staff and inmates move to a new security center. The suggested contract (not to exceed $6,000) would support a needs assessment that county staff could forward to the state for review.
Joshua (Josh) Nichols — identified in the packet as Executive Consulting and Solutions LLC and cited as having prepared similar studies in other counties — addressed the board. Several commissioners raised conflict‑of‑interest concerns after Nichols said he would be interested in operating the facility if it were rehabilitated. At least two commissioners said they were unwilling to commission a study from someone who stood to benefit from the project and suggested a neutral, third‑party assessment instead.
Commissioners discussed alternatives, including asking the committee to find another, non‑conflicted consultant and tabling any decision. One commissioner explicitly recommended taking no action rather than approving a study conducted by a person who might lease or operate the facility. No study contract was executed at the meeting; staff said they would notify stakeholders and seek other subject‑matter experts.
The commissioners did not approve the proposed contract as presented and asked staff to solicit unbiased proposals or return with additional options.
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