Shawnee County approves $600,000 price increase for detention center work

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has approved an amended Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the construction of behavioral health living units at the Shawnee County Adult Detention Center.

The BCC approved a request from KBS Constructors, Inc. (KBS) to increase the maximum price for the installation of cells into the third floor of the facility on Monday, July 15. KBS requested a $605,000 GMP from the county.

A Shawnee County spokeswoman said the extra cost will be paid with unexpended budget funds and interest on the project bond funds. In June 2023, the Shawnee County commissioners signed off on construction of a mental health unit at the Shawnee County Jail. Officials chose KBS to oversee the project.

“This item will allow us to install, purchase and install the cells in the third floor of the Behavioral Health Unit,” said Tim Phelps with the Shawnee County Department of Corrections during the commission meeting. “That will help us not have to tear the building open at a later time and we have funding to complete the full third floor.”

Commissioner Brett Kell motioned to approve the amended GMP request, with all in favor.

The need for this facility arose when the Shawnee County Department of Corrections approached the commissioners in January 2023, requesting funding for an in-house facility aimed at improving mental health services for inmates. The new unit is set to offer specialized treatment, counseling and programs to address the mental health needs of individuals in custody.

The county allocated $10 million in revenue bonds in 2022 to fund this initiative. However, the estimated total cost of the project is expected to be between $17 to $18 million.

KBS expects the project to be completed by June 27, 2026, according to the most recent amendment request.

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