The construction of the new Cowley County Law Enforcement Center will likely go over budget but funds are available to cover the difference, County Administrator Leroy Alsup told county commissioners Tuesday night.
“I think we’ve done well,” he said. “There will be some unforeseen (expenses) on any project.”
The budget for the 220-bed facility is now $11,566,000, not including interest. The tab is being paid in part with the revenue from a one-half cent retail sales tax approved during a special election in 2005.
The commission was authorized by voters to issue up to $10 million in bonds. Alsup said $8.5 million in bonds have been issued thus far.
“Probably, jails and hospitals are the most complex to construct,” he told commissioners before some change orders were approved.
Plans call for inmates to be moved into the new jail this fall, and then contractors will begin tearing down the present jail, according to Alsup.
In other business Tuesday night, the commission increased the tax for rural ambulance service from one mill to 1.5 mills. The cities of Arkansas City and Winfield have each been subsidizing the cost of providing the service.
The city of Sedan also provides some ambulance service in Cowley County. The mill levy increase brings payment more in line with the cost of providing the service, Alsup said.
Next year, Winfield will be paid $180,000 and Ark City $158,000. Winfield receives more revenue than Ark City because Winfield covers a larger area.
The commission will meet again in regular session at 9 a.m. next Tuesday at the Cowley County Courthouse. Meetings are open to the public.
