The county’s elections building construction project is still under revision after contractor Robert Roberts LLC presented value-engineering measures that cut the estimated cost by about $1,070,166, commissioners heard Oct. 2.

The contractor proposed a smaller, single-story plan that reduces the previously proposed square footage by roughly 6,200 square feet and recommends using local subcontractors for mechanical, electrical and HVAC work. Commissioners said the contractor suggested moving HVAC equipment to a less visible location and eliminating certain first-floor finishes to lower cost; some finish and HVAC reductions could cut an additional $30,000 in potential costs depending on final design.

County staff reported they will continue to pursue value engineering: the contractor is reviewing drawings with preferred local subcontractors (Tri State Enterprises; Reeves Heating and Air; Tri State Electrical) to identify further savings. The county also plans to complete geotechnical and compaction studies for the proposed site; staff said geotechnical firms estimated about a four-week lead time for the report, and the county is securing a second firm to expedite that work.

Commissioners said some site work and excavation will be performed by the county to reduce contractor scope; other work such as landscaping and unclassified excavation are excluded in the current contracting assumptions. No final construction vote or contract award was taken; the board received the update and asked county staff and the contractor to continue cost-reduction efforts and return with updated pricing and plans.