Guthrie County was pursuing a bond referendum for a new law enforcement center addition and parking lot improvement project. The new addition was needed for several reasons including public/staff safety, an aging facility, an overcrowded inmate population, and lack of evidence storage. The proposed solution was a 14,800 SF addition designed to include five classification units and four intake holding cells, a jail with 28 beds, jail services, jail administration, Sheriff's administration, patrol, and investigations. Other support spaces include interview rooms, evidence, records, storage, and a sally port.
The Samuels Group provided project planning, estimating, and pre-referendum services. A full communications plan (including a website, Facebook page, printed communications, advertising, and community information meetings) was developed to help educate and inform the public about the project and to encourage voting. The referendum passed with a 80.6% yes vote.
The Samuels Group is currently serving as construction manager for the project.