County Battles High Construction Costs and Inefficient Contract Terms with Messer

July 22, 2025 | Cabarrus County, North Carolina

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County Battles High Construction Costs and Inefficient Contract Terms with Messer

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

Concerns over escalating construction costs and contract terms dominated the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 21, 2025. The discussion centered on the county's contract with Messer Construction, which has raised eyebrows due to its high billing rates and questionable fiscal responsibility.

Messer is charging the county between $110 and $175 per hour for roles such as project managers and superintendents. This rate is nearly double the typical market rate in North Carolina, which ranges from $60 to $80 per hour. Alarmingly, the contract stipulates that Messer can bill for 40 hours per week per person, regardless of the actual hours worked. This means the county could be paying for full-time hours even if workers only contribute 10 to 15 hours on the project.

The financial implications extend beyond labor costs. Messer's requirement for a contractor-controlled insurance program (CCIP) adds a surcharge of $25 per $1,000 of contract value, resulting in over half a million dollars in additional expenses. Critics argue that other counties have opted for owner-controlled insurance programs, which offer greater transparency and value.

Comparative analysis reveals that neighboring counties are achieving significant construction projects at lower costs and faster timelines. For instance, Union County completed a new 144,000 square foot human services building for $24 million, while Rowan County renovated a large section of the former Salisbury Mall for $19.6 million. In contrast, Cabarrus County's project is expected to extend into 2027, nearly two years from now, just to renovate an existing office.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the need for a reevaluation of the county's approach to construction contracts to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficiency in project execution. As the county moves forward, stakeholders are urged to consider alternative strategies that could lead to better financial outcomes and timely project completions.

Converted from Cabarrus County BOC Regular Meeting 07.21.2025 meeting on July 22, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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