The Wichita County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Oct. 3 to use a design‑build delivery method for the Burke Burnett Annex project and authorized staff to solicit qualified design‑build teams and to identify an independent architect or engineer to represent the county’s interests.

During the discussion, the County Judge and Commissioner Beauchamp explained design‑build differs from the county’s more typical construction manager at risk approach because a single contract team will handle both design and construction. The court emphasized that, because Wichita County does not have an in‑house architect/engineer to serve as an owner’s representative, it will hire an independent architect or engineer to review plans, monitor construction and help select subcontractors on the county’s behalf. "What we will need to do is we will need to appoint a independent architect or engineer to serve as our expert independent representing our interests in checking...making sure that the work being done...is being done in a way that it needs to be," the County Judge said.

Commissioners discussed procurement mechanics: qualifications should be evaluated before price (a qualifications‑based selection process), and the county will use a request for qualifications (RFQ) or similar competitive process to find qualified teams. Commissioners said the irregular project footprint reflected earlier surveys and site work, and staff indicated plans and topography assessments already exist. The court expressed a target to break ground around the start of the new year, noting additional tasks such as demolition or temporary relocation for affected offices may be required.

The motion to adopt design‑build and to authorize seeking qualified candidates for the project and an independent architect/engineer was made by Commissioner Beauchamp, seconded by Commissioner Fincannon, and carried 5‑0. Commissioners asked staff to continue coordination with the City of Burkburnett and to identify interim office space for any departments that must relocate during construction.