The Howell County Commission has completed interviews with architectural firms following a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to conduct a needs assessment and provide potential design services for a new sheriff’s office, jail or justice center, according to Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs.
Riggs said four qualified firms submitted proposals in response to the RFQ. Commissioners, joined by Sheriff Matt Roberts, have interviewed the top three firms and expect to announce its selection soon.
Riggs emphasized that selecting an architectural firm does not mean a final design, project scope or price tag has been determined, stressing that the commission’s focus remains on finding the best fit for Howell County residents.
“This process is about gathering the professional information we need to understand our current and future law enforcement and justice needs, evaluate our options, and determine what is both practical and financially responsible,” Riggs said.
He added that the commission is committed to maintaining transparency and adhering public input throughout the process.
“The commission is committed to listening to the people of Howell County and pursuing a solution that addresses the serious limitations of our current law enforcement facility while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers,” he said. “This is a major decision that will affect Howell County for decades. We intend to approach it carefully, transparently, and responsibly looking not only at what we need today, but at what will best serve Howell County well into the future. Our goal is not simply to build something new. Our goal is to find the right solution for Howell County.”
Officials cited inmate housing capacity, officer and public safety during inmate transfers between the existing jail and the courthouse, and the escalating costs of insuring and maintaining an outdated facility as key reasons for exploring a new project.
