CENTER, Texas - Shelby County commissioners voted to extend their bid decision on a historic jail renovation project, hoping prices will drop over the next 90 days.
The jail building was built in 1885 and renovated in the 1990s, now housing the county’s Chamber of Commerce.
County Judge Allison Harbison said preserving the jail building is part of elected officials commitment to the county.
“We never need to forget where we came from. We need to honor the people that were here before us and honor the hard work that they have done all the years to keep Shelby County beautiful,” Harbison said.
In addition to restoration efforts as the county works alongside the Texas Historical Commission, there’s also a need for fixing the functionality of the building.
“The jail looks real good, but the window facings and everything, they’re just rotted because they’re made from original type wood and everything,” Harbison said.
Chamber employees said they face challenges related to broken windows and ceilings, including ceiling debris falling down.
Commissioners received bids ranging from $800,000 to around $350,000 and took the lower bid.
Last year, the county was getting offers in the $100,000 to $200,000 range. Since then, prices have skyrocketed due to inflation.
The county is paying for the project completely out of pocket with no grants.
“We really are very good stewards of the county’s money and tax dollars,” Harbison said. “We are going to preserve all of our historic buildings for future, for their children and their grandchildren and their grandchildren.”
Harbison said the county decided not to use grants so they can save that for renovations on their historic courthouse, which they hope to use for county services soon.
Commissioners approved an agreement with the bidding company that allows a 90-day extension while they figure out next steps and see if prices go down.
Harbison said the court has been torn on what next steps to take, but she hopes that after these 90 days, they can get the project rolling.
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