HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission agreed to go ahead with the design proposal from Mann & Company Architects for building a secure entrance to the courthouse, which will use the main entrance.
There was one change from what was presented last week. That being the wall between where residents would enter and where they would either get on the elevators or leave the building was pushed over some to give more room for the scanning equipment, which apparently the county will purchase new.
Commission Chair Dan Deming and County Administrator Gary Meagher agreed that this plan is a compromise from all parties involved and will save county taxpayers money. Officials with Mann and Company Architects gave a ballpark figure of between $250,000 and $300,000 for the work to be complete. That is a savings over the projected $700,000 or more for building a whole new entrance to the west of the main entrance.
So, the plan will move forward and could see the county begin seeking bids for the project in the coming months.
The remodel of the old jail to be used for an evidence storage area for law enforcement will also get new bids.
The commission also approved allowing the Reno County Sheriff’s Department to spend around $39,000 for the purchase of two new unmarked detective vehicles. Captain Steve Lutz says the vehicles won’t look like law enforcement vehicles as most people know, but more like everyday vehicles driven by the public.
Also approved was a new logo for the county, which be put on all stationary, vehicles and signage once the former jail annex renovation is complete and some county departments move into that facility.