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Behavioral care center readiness debated; staff propose transitional operations team and September funding line
Summary
CREO reported progress on the behavioral care center (patient room mockup and state licensing work) and county staff flagged mechanical, electrical and plumbing readiness concerns, proposing temporary facility staff funded from the facility budget through August and a bare‑bones funding line to appear in the September supplement.
The committee discussed readiness and operation costs for the proposed behavioral care center (BCC), including food service, transportation and the need for transitional facility staff to work with contractors during turnover.
Jessica read a statement from CREO summarizing ongoing work: "CREO has submitted and completed the FE package to [state agencies] and continues to provide consultation to ensure compliance and state licensing standards. The patient room mockup is expected to be completed this month." CREO is evaluating food service options and received multiple vendor proposals; preliminary review indicated the Oklahoma County Detention Center may offer a cost‑effective meal solution that meets seven‑day operational needs.
Several members emphasized that mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems must be documented and staff trained before turnover. A facilities representative said the county needs a temporary, technically skilled team to identify mechanical system locations and operations and to work with contractors during turnover. The representative offered to fund stipends from the facility budget through August but asked that BET consider a bare‑bones line item in the September supplement to continue minimal coverage when the contractor hands over operations.
Committee members agreed this group should not determine final project scope or procurement; instead, policy, governance and infrastructure committees should define the project and return dollarized funding requests to BET for consideration. CREO and county staff plan to return in July, August and September with more detailed operational cost estimates and proposals.
