Commissioners question RSQ after it included option to build a new jail

A commissioner questioned why the county's recent RSQ to architects included options for constructing a brand-new jail when, the speaker said, the commission previously voted to pursue remodeling the existing site.

"Was there really a need to include the options to build brand new jail since you guys voted to just prepare the current site?" the commissioner asked during the meeting.

Other commissioners replied that the commission had voted to issue the RSQ and that a new jail had not been approved as a separate policy action. One commissioner said the RSQ had been in last month’s packet and that the commission had voted to put the RSQ out for firms to respond to.

Several members said they were concerned the RSQ wording might mislead architects into thinking construction of a new jail was approved. Commissioners agreed to seek clarity on how the RSQ was prepared and to ensure future procurement materials reflected the commission’s direction.

No formal motion to amend the RSQ wording was recorded in the transcript; commissioners instead discussed clarifying the record and review procedures before future solicitations.