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Single bid for jail remodel prompts proposal to use inmate work crew to save money
Summary
After receiving one construction bid of $64,682 (plus $5,310 for blinds) for a jail remodel, county officials proposed rejecting the bid in favor of using inmate labor for much of the work, subject to maintenance and safety sign-offs; commissioners asked staff to coordinate and report back.
County staff reported a single bid for the jail remodel from Decker Construction totaling $64,682, with metal blinds quoted at an additional $5,310, and suggested much of the work could be completed by the county’s inmate work crew to reduce costs.
The presenter said the bid was higher than anticipated and that many of the tasks — installing cabinets, countertops, flooring and other finish work — could be done by inmates under county supervision. "I think we would like to reject the bid, try to save some of that money," the presenter said, and commissioners agreed they wanted maintenance and, if needed, the state fire marshal to review plans for electrical, sprinkler and safety implications before authorizing inmate crews to proceed.
Several commissioners supported using the county workforce and inmate labor to save money while noting that certain technical work (electrical, sprinkler relocation) would require licensed contractors. Staff was asked to detail which tasks could be completed in-house, coordinate with maintenance for sign-off, and return with a plan and timeline rather than proceed with the sole contractor bid immediately.
