Berkeley County Council approves change orders totaling $658K for jail expansion project

During the Berkeley County Council meeting on March 24, 2025, significant discussions centered around budget adjustments related to the ongoing jail expansion project and the approval of emergency purchases for facility upgrades. The council addressed a series of change orders that have emerged during the construction phase, which included necessary fire suppression and structural upgrades. The total impact on the general budget was reported at $154,383.23, with an overall project adjustment of $271,215.04.

Mr. Canarens, a representative involved in the project, explained that some of these changes were due to in-house work and value engineering, while others were necessitated by local inspector requirements that were not initially included in the design plans. The council members expressed concerns about the frequency of change orders, with one member noting that approximately 50 change orders had been submitted, of which only a handful had been approved. This raised questions about the initial budgeting process, particularly the absence of a contingency fund, which could have mitigated some of the financial impacts.

The council ultimately approved the change orders, emphasizing the need to complete the jail expansion to meet the growing demands of the county's correctional facilities. Members acknowledged the importance of having a functional jail in conjunction with effective legal representation for inmates, highlighting the interconnectedness of these services in addressing the county's needs.

In addition to the jail discussions, the council approved an emergency purchase of an HVAC unit for the detention center, which was deemed necessary due to lead times for delivery. This unit is part of the upcoming budget but was needed immediately to avoid costly rental solutions.

The meeting also included allocations from the accommodations fee discretionary funding, with several community organizations receiving financial support. These allocations reflect the council's ongoing commitment to community development and support for local initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's efforts to navigate budgetary challenges while addressing critical infrastructure needs in Berkeley County. As the jail expansion progresses, the council will need to remain vigilant in managing costs and ensuring that the facility meets both current and future demands.