Commission to consult with experienced firm for jail project
Staff reporter
Comparing apples to apples or one jail to another is no easy task.
However, after touring Sumner County Jail March 26, Marion County Commission wants to talk with the architect firm that successfully promoted a sales tax increase for Sumner County and constructed a 123-bed facility for $8.6 million, a cost based on 2005 figures.
It made sense to the commission to talk with officials of Law Kingdon of Wichita because the firm had the experience and the blueprint for a jail project.
During discussion with Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker, it was determined that probably the floor plan of the 37,000-square-foot Sumner County Jail would be adequate for a 72-bed jail and communication center.
Previous floor plans from BG Consultants of Manhattan required a significantly larger floor plan for fewer beds and a higher price.
Inflation has increased the cost of construction but the commission wants to visit with the Wichita architectural firm about their options.
Commissioner Dan Holub said 70 to 80 percent of the Sumner County jail cells were high security cells which is not in Marion County's plans. Another difference is the Sumner County Jail has a flat roof, not a popular choice for proper drainage and longevity.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said the county was not solely committed to BG Consultants and he wants to spend the county's money as wisely as possible.
All three agreed that a presentation from Law Kingdon would be in the county's best interest. Contact will be made with the firm to have representatives come at 1 p.m. April 23 to discuss a 72-bed jail facility with a communication center.
