Eddy County moves ahead with $159 million detention center contract

Eddy County commissioners voted to authorize execution of a construction contract with Bradbury Stamm Construction for a new county detention center after staff told the board the procurement process and contract negotiations are finished.

County staff said the county issued RFP 25-10 on Nov. 19, 2025, and formally awarded the project on Feb. 10, 2026. Adrian Granger (mentioned by staff during the presentation) and county finance staff described the contract price submitted by Bradbury Stamm at about $159 million plus gross receipts tax and noted the project team had spent roughly $10.5 million to date on planning and professional services, including about $5.3 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds used for architectural planning.

Roberta (finance presenter) told commissioners the county previously approved a preliminary project budget of roughly $149.6 million and that Studio Southwest had provided an October 2025 estimated project cost of about $167.2 million plus gross receipts tax. Bradbury Stamm's bid of approximately $159.0 million plus gross receipts tax prompted staff to request authorization to proceed and to transfer funds (roughly $25,000,998.828 cited in staff remarks) from general fund reserves to the building construction fund to cover the difference between earlier budget estimates and the bid.

Commissioners asked about bonding and local contractor participation. Staff and presenters explained bonding capacity is required by state statute and the procurement code does not allow a geographic preference beyond a limited resident business preference; as a result, some local contractors were ineligible because they did not meet bonding capacity requirements. County staff said the project underwent a standard open procurement process with an evaluation committee that included the sheriff's office, IT, facilities, the detention facility and public works.

The board voted to approve moving forward with the contract authorization. Commissioners who voted in the roll call recorded in the transcript were called by name during the vote; the motion passed on the floor.

The county said it will return the finalized agreement for signature after staff and counsel complete final contract steps and will provide schedule updates, with the contractor's vice president, Tyler Nunn, on the record committing to report back on schedule milestones in the coming months.

Next steps: staff will finalize and execute the award agreement, transfer budgeted reserves as authorized, and report back to the commission on the project schedule and any required amendments or cost adjustments.