Court approves change orders as sheriff's office renovation hits delays; new completion date set

County staff updated commissioners on the Rockwall County Sheriff's Office renovation, reporting roughly $2.6 million in construction costs to date and ongoing coordination issues that have delayed schedule milestones. Project manager Niko said permitting, equipment procurement and structural coordination created obstacles; the county established a new target for substantial completion of Sept. 2, 2026 and expects to bring a formal prime contract change order to a later meeting.

Commissioners asked about on-site supervision and sign-in procedures for subcontractors after Judge New requested an audit of the superintendent's on-site time. Project staff said subcontractor sign-in exists but that the superintendent, Jonas Lovett, is present daily and the project manager visits weekly.

Commissioner Stacy presented the rationale for proposed subcontractor change orders (PCOs 16, 17, 18 and 21) covering entryway redesign, signage, drywall and finish work. Commissioner Gallano moved to approve change orders 16, 17, 18 and 21; Commissioner Lickty seconded and the court approved the motion 5-0.

Separately, the court approved forthcoming change orders on the 3rd-floor courtroom additions project (PCOs 13'17) to address security hardware, detention-area keys, AV components and furniture adjustments; staff said deductive credits will return about $70,182 to the county. That motion also passed unanimously.

Project managers said long-lead items such as storefronts and passthrough windows remain, and that furniture procurement will be on a subsequent agenda. Officials said they will present exact change-order amounts and formal prime-contract amendments at a future court once cost allocation is finalized.