Commission accepts Metz Electric bid, will apply CIFA grant toward courthouse electrical upgrade

The Hampshire County Commission voted on March 11 to accept an electrical bid from Metz Electric for Phase 1 of courthouse upgrades and to apply a $100,000 grant from the Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority (CIFA) toward the work.

Mr. Ronken and Mr. Haught reported they reviewed Metz Electric’s bid and consulted an electrician; Ronken said the bid figures "looked good" and that CIFA’s executive director provided written approval to proceed with a single bid since three contractors attended the pre-bid meeting. The commission has been awarded $100,000 from CIFA and the project requires a $20,000 county match; Metz Electric’s bid came in at $141,480, approximately $21,480 over the county’s anticipated total.

The commission also confirmed it has started the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review required for work on a historically designated courthouse; the clerk said SHPO has 30 days to review the submission and staff had already filed the request. "This is just phase 1 of 2 phases in this project if we decide to go forward," Mr. Haught said.

Commissioner Mansell moved to accept the bid and apply the grant funds; another commissioner seconded. The commission voted in favor. "It's an important first step because without it, we can't do anything else," a commissioner said, noting electrical upgrades are needed before heating and air upgrades.

No additional appropriation was adopted on March 11; commissioners approved acceptance of the bid and application of the grant as presented and will address any funding shortfall through the county process.