Wichita County approves $24,500 contract to add intake window at law-enforcement center

Wichita County Commissioner’s Court on May 12 approved a $24,500 contract with GB Construction to add an intake window at the Law Enforcement Center’s booking area, a change county and sheriff’s staff said will speed booking procedures and reduce bottlenecks.

The sheriff told the court that the booking area currently funnels intake through a single usable window and that adding another window would allow nursing or EMT staff to take vitals and move people through the process more quickly. Two quotes were presented: GB Construction for $24,500 and Texoma Building Supply for $25,740.

Commissioner Beauchamp moved to accept the lower bid and to charge the expense to the facility line (discussed as department 511); Commissioner Fincannon seconded the motion. The judge called for a voice vote and the motion carried 4-0.

County staff said the work may require temporary enclosure construction and reinforced glazing; bidders included work to modify metal frames and crossbars. The court indicated the quotes were obtained after outreach to multiple firms, and staff thanked the county auditor and procurement contacts for assistance.

Why it matters: The approved work is intended to reduce delays in jail booking and improve safety and efficiency for staff and detainees. The contract is funded from county facility funds and the court directed staff to proceed with the lower bid.

Next steps: Staff to finalize contracting and schedule work; commissioners did not specify a start date on the record.