After receiving six qualified bids that substantially exceeded the county's initial budget, the Dade County Commission identified Robert Roberts (Chattanooga) as the preferred contractor for a proposed elections building and authorized staff to negotiate reduced scope alternatives, including a one‑story design without a basement.

Why it matters: Bids for the originally planned two‑level, 12,400‑square‑foot facility ran into the $2.9–$3.3 million range. Commissioners said the cost was too high and directed staff to pursue a smaller footprint (roughly 6,200 square feet) and to ask the preferred contractor whether it could deliver a one‑story building at a lower price per square foot.

Commissioners said public input and cost pressures support a downscoped building that preserves essential functions (office space and equipment storage) while continuing to use the existing courtroom/commission room for election day voting and other large‑assembly needs if necessary. County staff flagged mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) changes required to move equipment from a basement into the main level if the basement is removed; that work will affect costs.

The board said it selected the contractor on qualifications and references rather than simply lowest price. "If you talk to subcontractors about Roberts Roberts, they do a good job. They're on time. They pay their subs. They do what they're supposed to," one commissioner said in support of the selection.

Staff will now approach Robert Roberts LLC to discuss a reduced program, request firm per‑square‑foot pricing and return to the board with revised cost scopes for formal award. If the contractor declines a reduced‑scope price, the county will consider other options including further downsizing or procuring different construction approaches.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to pursue negotiated scope reductions and asked staff to prepare a recommended maximum budget (including furnishings and IT) for final approval. The board placed the contractor selection on the consent agenda for continuing procurement steps; final contract award awaits negotiated scope and price.