The Del Norte County Measure R Advisory Committee on an agenda item about capital funding for the county jail discussed recommending use of Measure R fund balance to help close a funding gap for a planned jail rehabilitation project, but ultimately tabled a motion after members asked for more detail.

Committee members and staff described the project as a comprehensive rehabilitation of older sections of the county jail — including medical and intake areas, several housing “pods,” and improvements to hallways and visibility — that officials say is required to meet safety and regulatory needs under title 15 and title 24. County staff told the committee the project has a preliminary estimated cost of about $10,000,000 and that current committed funding includes roughly $3,000,000 in federal awards, $1,500,000 in realignment funds and about $600,000 in PATH funding, leaving an estimated gap of about $5,000,000.

The committee debated multiple forms of a recommendation. The sheriff’s request included asking the committee to prioritize 75% of the then-available Measure R fund balance; staff said the fund balance was around $3,700,000 and projected to grow to about $4,000,000 by June 30. Committee members raised concerns about committing a large share of the fund balance to one project, citing potential cost overruns and the need to retain a reserve for other capital needs. As one committee member put it, “I just would like to have a little bit of money in a reserve,” noting projects frequently experience overruns and unexpected needs.

Committee discussion reviewed alternatives suggested in the meeting: (1) recommend a fixed, capped amount (for example, up to $3,000,000); (2) recommend a percentage of available funds; or (3) defer action until the committee receives more detailed project scope, timeline and probable cost documentation. Staff indicated the project is in design, with an architect and engineers under contract and that project managers are working on whether to phase work while the jail remains in operation or to temporarily relocate operations, which could shorten the construction period and reduce costs.

A motion was made to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that up to $3,000,000 of Measure R funds be appropriated for the jail rehabilitation project; that motion was seconded. After further discussion and several committee members requesting more detailed scope and cost documentation, a member moved to table the motion. The committee voted to table the recommendation and directed staff to provide additional information at a later meeting — staff said there will be a jail rehabilitation update on the Board of Supervisors’ June 10 agenda and recommended the committee consider the item after that presentation.

Committee members also discussed implementation strategy and funding sources. Staff described the county’s efforts to pursue additional state funding and noted prior BSCC (Board of State and Community Corrections) grant applications were denied in part because past applications did not propose expansion of bed space. Staff added that having a more complete, “shovel-ready” design and a probable cost estimate improves the county’s position with potential funders.

The tabling preserves the committee’s ability to recommend a specific amount or percentage at a later date once members have reviewed a project scope and probable-cost detail. Staff committed to attach a probable-cost estimate and other supporting documents to the next committee agenda and to schedule a follow-up meeting after the June 10 board presentation.

Ending: The committee did not take a final funding position on the jail project at this meeting. The item will return to a future Measure R committee agenda after staff provides the requested scope, budget and timeline materials and after the board-level update.