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Rutherford County authorizes detention‑center renovation contract; base construction ~$7.86 million, alternates could raise cost
Summary
Commissioners authorized county staff to finalize a guaranteed maximum price and contract amendment for the county detention‑center expansion; presenters said the base construction cost is $7,863,394 and proposed alternates could raise the construction cost to $8,466,011, with work partly supported by a $10 million grant referenced in discussion.
County staff and representatives from Benoit Construction presented plans this evening to move the detention‑center renovation from design into construction, and the board authorized county officials to negotiate and execute contract documents, including specified alternates.
Contract presenters Lance Haney and Steve Boyd outlined the project scope: a roughly 2,000‑square‑foot addition for improved booking and intake, new property‑storage and inmate corridors, renovated sheriff’s offices and administrative space, additional holding and observation cells, and related site improvements including accessibility upgrades. The presentation described improvements intended to increase officer safety and provide mental‑health holding cells.
Steve Boyd reported a base construction cost of $7,863,394, which includes approximately $1,000,000 in site improvements. If the board accepts a set of proposed alternates designed to capture efficiencies while subcontractors are on site, the construction cost of work would increase to $8,466,011.
Commissioners asked for clarification about sally‑port arrangements and security alternates; presenters confirmed a fenced vehicular sally port adjacent to the new booking area is included in the base scope, with additional alternates adding security to other building entries. Commissioners and the sheriff’s office discussed the benefits of alternates that address inspection and safety issues, including exhaust and air‑treatment upgrades in female inmate areas.
A commissioner moved to authorize the interim county manager and county attorney to negotiate contract terms and to authorize the county manager, finance officer and clerk to sign and execute all documents, including the alternates. The motion carried by voice vote.
Funding context: commissioners referenced a previously announced $10 million grant that will support many of the detention‑facility improvements; specifics of the funding mix (county match, grant drawdown schedule, and contingency) were discussed in staff materials but not fully enumerated on the floor.
What’s next: County officials will finalize contract terms and issue a notice to proceed so long‑lead items (detention frames, HVAC units, structural steel) can be ordered. The presentation estimated phased construction through spring 2027, with staged occupancy of the renovated booking/intake area earlier in the schedule.
