The county's engineer and selection committee recommended River City Contracting as construction manager-at-risk for the Meriwether County Courthouse renovation project. The recommendation and the contractor’s proposal were discussed during the Sept. 23 meeting.

EMC Engineering said both finalist teams (River City and Sheridan) were qualified, but River City offered estimated cost savings of about $85,000; when factoring the contractor’s offer to provide preconstruction services for free if the county proceeds to construction within six months, the committee estimated total savings close to $95,000. EMC also said River City has recent experience working on a similar courthouse project and is accustomed to working around an active building without displacing staff.

Commissioners were told the team expects to reach a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) within about 45–60 days and estimated substantial completion in roughly 3½ to 4 months after construction begins, with six months to complete final punch-list and finishes. EMC confirmed soft costs for the construction manager are eligible to be funded from SPLOST or other allowable sources.

A motion to approve River City Contracting was moved and seconded and the board voted in favor. Staff and the engineering consultant will proceed with reconciliation and GMP preparation to move into construction if the schedule and terms meet county approval.