Cost to replace jail windows causes sticker shock

A project to replace windows at the Shawano County Jail has jumped up in price more than three-fold, and members of the county’s public safety committee are not happy about it.

Greg Nelson, the jail administrator, told the committee May 5 that plans to replace the windows in the shower area have gone from a $12,000 price tag to about $42,000 due to the discovery of decaying frames around the windows. Nelson said the project was approved several years ago.

“We agreed to fund that out of the inmate welfare account,” Nelson said. “It has become a much bigger problem than just replacing the glass.”

Nelson said the $42,000 quote came from Felts Construction.

“This is one of those things where they dig into it and we hope that the frames and the windows are the only issues,” Nelson said.

Nelson recommended using the jail assessment fund, noting that when defendants appear in court for a hearing, they are assessed a fee that goes to the jail for maintenance and operations. The fund is under the purview of the county’s maintenance department, according to Nelson.

He also suggested using the sheriff’s department carryover fund, which is a portion of unused money left from the previous budget year that can be used when issues like the jail windows arise.

“There’s money available in there,” Nelson said.

Supervisor Theresa Serrano expressed frustration with the project’s bottom line going up more than $30,000.

“I know things have increased, but $30,000? It’s crazy,” Serrano said. “I think we need to do our homework and get a second opinion. You always want to go shopping around locally, but I think these guys are gouging us, and I would respectfully request a second bid before we move on, and then you’ll know what your numbers are.”

Nelson pointed out that the increase in price is due to having to fabricate new frames, remove the old ones, put the new ones in and fortify them with concrete. He said the county could solicit additional quotes, if the committee felt it was best to so. The issue came up during the jail report and was not specifically on the agenda, so the committee couldn’t vote on the matter.

Still, Serrano said, getting additional bids would be a good idea.

“I would feel more comfortable with a second opinion on the costs, and then we’ll want to know where the funds are going to come from,” Serrano said.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com