The Potter County Commissioners' Court voted Monday morning to move forward with a revised architectural agreement for potential expansion of the Potter County Detention Center, intensifying an ongoing debate about how best to address overcrowding in the aging jail facility.
Commissioners approved, by a 4-1 vote, a revised agreement with Burns Architecture, LLC. The firm will now conduct a formal Needs Assessment and Report, initiating a phased planning process for jail expansion. The initial cost of the agreement increases from $40,000 to $50,000 under the updated contract.
Precinct 3 Commissioner John Coffee cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concerns over long-term planning and a lack of comprehensive data to support such a move. Prior to the vote, Coffee introduced a consultant via live video to offer expert input on jail population trends—a proposal that the Court ultimately rejected in a separate 1-4 vote.
A Shift in the Project Scope
Originally discussed as a 144-bed, three-pod addition, the project now begins with a detailed needs assessment—a shift that reflects ongoing uncertainty around the facility’s long-term viability and capacity needs.
“You can only kick the can so long, and the only thing you are going to have is a dented can,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Warren Coble. “I think expedience is as important as getting the details. You got the details, now it’s time to go to work.”
Coble, a vocal supporter of the revised Burns agreement, argued that the firm brings not only assessment capabilities but also practical experience in designing correctional facilities.
“The same information that the consultant can give me for $200,000, [Burns] gave me for $50,000—and not only that, he can design it,” said Coble, referencing the firm’s history of working with jail standards officials and former county staff like Mike Head.
Coffee Pushes for Data-Driven Planning
Commissioner Coffee remained steadfast in his call for a long-term, data-informed plan, expressing frustration over the decision not to hire an independent consultant.
“I just want to build exactly what we need. No more, no less,” Coffee said. “We don’t really know what we need… I would like to have a 20-year plan.”
Coffee also questioned whether expanding the existing jail is wise, given concerns that the facility may be approaching the end of its usable life. Instead, he suggested the county explore expanding the Law Enforcement Center as a potentially more sustainable option.
Project Manager Postponed
A third agenda item—discussing the hiring of a full-time Project Manager to oversee the expansion—was postponed. Commissioner Coble said he intends to revisit the topic during the July 28 meeting after discussing it individually with each commissioner.
Both Coble and Coffee acknowledged the need for project oversight. Coffee noted that although the county had budgeted for a Facilities Director role last year, the expertise gap remains a concern.
“We want to have somebody that has expertise in doing these projects,” Coffee said. “Before, we really hadn’t had one… The people that were put in that position probably weren’t as qualified as we needed.”
Next Steps: Plans and Financing
With the architectural agreement approved, the next 90 days will be critical. Burns Architecture is expected to work closely with the commissioners to develop initial expansion concepts, including cost projections.
Commissioners will also begin weighing financing options—either through a bond election or issuing certificates of obligation. Coffee has publicly stated his preference for a bond election, allowing voters to decide the future of the jail.
“I think the people should have a say in something this big,” he said.
A Contentious Path Forward
Tensions around the jail have simmered for months, with commissioners split on timelines, strategy, and the appropriate use of outside expertise. Monday’s meeting laid bare those divisions but also marked a step forward in addressing the long-standing issue of jail overcrowding in Potter County.
