County Hears Update on JCSO Complex
Sheriff Donnie Edenfield appeared before the Jackson County Commission to give an update on the long-awaited sheriff’s office complex, telling commissioners that the project is nearing the point of breaking ground. He began by thanking the board, County Administrator Jim Dean, Mr. David Melvin, Deputy County Administrator Rett Daniels, and others who helped make it possible. Edenfield explained that the nearly $20 million needed for construction is coming from two funding sources, a county-written grant and a state legislative appropriation, meaning the project comes at no additional out-of-pocket cost to Jackson County taxpayers. He said the new facility will serve the community for decades to come and then introduced Senior Project Manager and Architect Will Rutherford from CRA (Clemons, Rutherford & Associates, Inc.), the architectural firm that designed the complex. Also attending were representatives from Culpepper Construction, the general contractor chosen for the project.
Rutherford told the commission that the design phase is complete and all construction documents are finalized. Culpepper Construction is now preparing trade bid packages to move the project into the construction stage. Showing the site plan, Rutherford described the three main buildings that will make up the complex: the 21,000-square-foot sheriff’s office headquarters, a 6,200-square-foot maintenance and fuel depot, and a 1,200-square-foot K9 unit. The layout places all bureaus, districts, and precincts under one operational hub. He noted that a portion of the existing wooded and landscaped area on the site will remain as a natural buffer, leaving the complex somewhat “nested” within the property rather than clearing it completely. This helps preserve the appearance of the site and adds a layer of privacy and security.
The main building, Rutherford explained, will be built to withstand 160-mile-per-hour winds, providing protection during hurricanes and other major storms. The dispatch center in the southeast corner will have even higher redundancy standards, following (National Fire Protection Association) NFPA 1221 regulations for power, water, and sewer backup. That part of the facility will run on a dedicated emergency generator to ensure operations continue during emergencies.
Rutherford highlighted the maintenance and evidence storage facility, stressing how critical proper evidence management is for the sheriff’s office. Some evidence, he said, must be stored for twenty years or longer, so the new facility includes secure, climate-controlled areas designed specifically for long-term storage. The building will also include a fitness space for deputies and staff.
The K9 unit, measuring roughly 1,200 square feet, will replace the existing kennel and be located on the same site for convenience and coordination. Commissioner Paul Donofro asked whether the K9 facility would be heated and cooled. Rutherford explained that the front section, where handlers work and equipment is kept, will have full heating and air conditioning, while the kennel area will be ventilated to maintain airflow and comfort for the dogs.
Commissioner Donofro continued with several questions about construction details. Rutherford confirmed that the buildings will use insulated metal panels and masonry infill, which provide durability and require very little maintenance. The roof system will be a low-slope PVC roof supported by steel bar joists and a metal deck, without internal gutters to simplify upkeep. The HVAC units will be located on the roof to save space and improve accessibility. A raised parapet wall will conceal those rooftop units from view and protect them from debris during storms.
Rutherford also described a memorial plaza planned for the front of the complex. It will include a seating area and a wall featuring bronze plaques to honor officers who have died in the line of duty. The memorial will serve as a place for reflection for both law enforcement and the public. The complex itself, he said, is designed with careful attention to security; not all areas will be visible from the road, and the natural tree buffer will help maintain privacy while still allowing limited visibility near the main entrance.
During the discussion, Commissioner Donofro expressed confidence in Culpepper Construction, saying he had worked with the company on other projects and was certain they would deliver quality work. He noted that the project has drawn strong interest from subcontractors, which should help ensure competitive bids. Rutherford estimated it would take 45 to 50 days for Culpepper to prepare and submit the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal.
Commissioner Willie Spires asked whether there were any plans to expand the K9 unit, and Sheriff Edenfield said there were no plans for that.
Chairman Jamey Westbrook then asked Rutherford if he was proud of his work, to which Rutherford replied that he was. Westbrook went on to raise a concern about the bidding process, explaining that in the past some county projects hadn’t followed mandatory bid requirements as strictly as they should have. He stressed that his only goal was to ensure every contractor has a fair chance to participate. Rutherford agreed completely and said Culpepper intends to advertise the bid packages locally and write them in ways that allow smaller subcontractors to participate. He emphasized that the company lives and works in the community and wants to build something that will stand for decades.
To close the discussion, Sheriff Edenfield explained how the contractor was selected. A committee made up of Commissioner Donnie Branch, County Administrator Jim Dean, Supervisor of Elections Carol Dunaway, Undersheriff Major Wes Birch, E911 Coordinator Dan Warren, and JCSO CFO Gina Patrick reviewed the proposals and narrowed them down to two finalists. Edenfield made the final choice, saying he chose a company he knew and trusted. “This is not Donnie Edenfield’s building,” he said. “This belongs to the county and the citizens of our county.”
When complete, the new Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Complex will include a 21,000-square-foot main headquarters, 6,200-square-foot maintenance and fuel depot, and a 1,200-square-foot K9 facility. It will be built to withstand 160-mph winds, include redundant power and communications systems, preserve natural landscape buffers, and feature a memorial plaza to honor fallen officers. With the final GMP expected within about 45 days, the project is on track to begin construction soon and will stand as a major long-term investment in the county’s public safety infrastructure.
