The Burke County Board of Commissioners awarded the construction contract for an animal shelter addition to Arrant's General Contracting of Savannah after confirming the low bidder's scope and qualifications.

County staff said they received eight bids and the apparent low bid was $569,000 from Arrant's General Contracting. County project staff and Frank (from DPR) said they had reviewed the low bid and held a call with the contractor to confirm the price covered the full scope; staff recommended proceeding with the low bidder. A local next-lowest bidder was approximately $110,000 higher.

Commissioners asked how the county would cover the roughly $69,000 difference between the budgeted amount and the low bid; staff said they would move money in the capital budget to cover the shortfall. Commissioner Bridal moved to award the contract to Arrant's; Commissioner Kelly seconded and the motion passed.

Why it matters: awarding the construction contract advances completion of the animal shelter addition, which was discussed as an active county capital project. Staff said work will include chain-link and cinder-block construction as specified in the bid documents.

Next steps: staff will execute the contract with Arrant's General Contracting and identify capital funds to cover the budget gap.