Board approves $267.99 million guaranteed maximum price for Allen County Justice Center

The Allen County Board of Commissioners approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment to the A-133 construction contract with YGAM Construction for the new Allen County Justice Center and Sheriff's Office. The GMP for hard construction work is $267,988,099 and the contract establishes a substantial completion date of Nov. 4, 2027.

Cody Michaud, projects executive with YGAM Construction, told the commissioners the GMP is based on the bid phases and accepted alternates from the bidding process. Michaud said the current GMP is about $15 million lower than earlier projections during the design phase and roughly $50 million lower than the combined project estimate when the contractor was first engaged. He and county officials said the reductions were achieved without sacrificing life-safety features for staff or inmates.

Commissioners asked where the GMP fits within total project costs. County staff clarified the $267,988,099 figure covers the hard construction cost under the construction contract. Commissioners and the contractor discussed soft costs — design, furnishings, equipment and other services — and county staff estimated an all-in, all-cost figure including land and soft costs in the vicinity of $305,000,000 (the presenter characterized that as a moving target). Michaud confirmed the GMP is a guaranteed cap on the hard-construction portion; additional owner-directed changes or added scope would increase the contract value if approved by the board.

Project communications were described as ongoing: Michaud said the project team is operating time-lapse cameras (two active, a third to be installed soon) and monthly drone flights; staff said drone footage is being shared monthly for internal distribution.

A commissioner moved to approve the GMP exhibits; the motion was seconded. Commissioners voted in favor; the motion carried.