Stephens County approves $75,000 JMA Architecture study despite judge’s call to delay

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a proposal from JMA Architecture for architectural and engineering services to evaluate the county’s government building and develop a program of space. The contract was described as a two‑phase effort: phase one (site evaluation) expected to take about 45 days and phase two (program development and possible addition planning) about 75 days, with a total estimated cost of roughly $75,000.

Several judges and at least one citizen speaker urged the commission to postpone the vote and pursue a broader feasibility study that would include downtown stakeholders, historical preservation interests and other county facilities. Judge Urban told the board the matter "affects this county for the next 50 years" and asked that the board table the proposal and coordinate planning across agencies and committees before committing more funds.

County staff said the proposal was included in the agenda packet and described the scope and estimated schedule to the board. Commissioners discussed meeting precedent and public comment procedures but proceeded to a motion to accept the JMA proposal. The motion to accept was seconded and carried by voice vote.

In public comment, Judge Urban and other speakers argued the county previously sought $50,000 for courthouse planning and that consultant work estimated at approximately $70,000 had already occurred; they urged a comprehensive study instead of a project narrowly focused on the government building. The meeting record shows the board approved the JMA contract despite these objections; the transcript does not include a roll‑call vote or a commissioner explaining precisely why the board rejected the request to table the matter.

The board did not set a follow‑up date for additional stakeholder meetings during the vote; county staff will proceed with JMA Architecture per the approved scope and funding authorization.