Comanche County forms advisory board as architects continue detention‑center feasibility study

The Comanche County Facilities Authority on July 6 approved a resolution to establish a Comanche County Detention Center Advisory Board to coordinate with Goldberg Group Architects on a feasibility study and to gather public input on whether to renovate the existing facility or build a new one.

Sydney Goldberg, president of Goldberg Group Architects, told the authority that the firm’s initial review found that “size is an issue and the condition could be worse for a 25‑year‑old facility,” and that the team is evaluating possible solutions including expansion. Goldberg said the firm will deliver a full report once the assessment is complete and that it is compiling population and growth information as part of the needs assessment. Consultant Stan Florence described the assessment as focused on the facility population, Comanche County demographics and expected growth factors.

Board members signaled urgency for the next steps. When Goldberg asked whether the board wanted an RFQ from bond attorneys, Chair Johnny Owens replied: “Anything they can do to move forward I want to do.” Goldberg said she would obtain an RFQ for the board to evaluate at next week’s meeting. Vice‑chair Ryan John moved to adopt the resolution establishing the advisory board; the motion passed with John, Owens and Kinder voting aye and no nays.

The board also approved appointments to the advisory board by district; the transcript lists three sets of appointees named by District 1 (by Commissioner Ryan John), District 2 (by Commissioner Johnny Owens) and District 3 (by Commissioner Josh Powers). The appointments will endure only until completion of the Goldberg Group feasibility study, at which time the advisory board will automatically dissolve.