Runnels County - 2025 Upgrades to the Runnels County Jail in Ballinger, TX

The Runnels County Jail in Ballinger is undergoing a $2,100,000 renovation, with construction scheduled to finish in September 2026. The project involves mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system upgrades and minor renovations to the existing 15,000 sq ft facility located at 200 S Hickory Hill Road. Work began in August 2026, following the completion of plan review by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in the same month.

Project Scope and Design

Burns Architecture, LLC is the design firm of record for this alteration project. The scope is strictly defined as system upgrades and minor renovations, totaling 15,000 sq ft. The estimated cost of $2,100,000 translates to $140 per square foot. This figure is above the county median of $89 per square foot for similar renovation and alteration filings in Runnels County. The project utilizes public funds and is registered with TDLR under the accessibility specialist Michael Lynn Kelley.

The scheduled build window of 31 days is shorter than the county median of 96 days for comparable projects. Burns Architecture, LLC has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $6,340,000, including facilities in Pecos, Big Spring, and Eastland. The firm’s recent work includes the Reeves County Senior Center Renovations and the West Texas Centers for MHMR expansions. This jail upgrade continues the firm’s focus on institutional and public facility renovations across West Texas.

Local Context and Status

Ballinger is home to approximately 4,572 residents, according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates for ZIP 76821. The median household income in the area is $65,250, and the median owner-occupied home value is $104,200. The Runnels County unemployment rate was 4 percent in July 2026, higher than a year earlier. This jail renovation represents a significant investment in public infrastructure for a county with a median estimated cost of $525,000 for similar work.

The TDLR status for this project is Review Complete, with construction starting in August 2026 and scheduled to finish in September 2026. No further updates on operational status or business opening are provided in the record. The project is a one-off renovation for the County of Runnels, distinct from new construction or expansion projects. Readers seeking specific details on inmate capacity or security upgrades should note that the filing only lists mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades.