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Commission gives contractor option to stay on-site for clock tower work if state funds approved
Summary
The board voted to give contractor Kirby Nagel the option to remain on site and continue work on the courthouse clock/bell tower if the state confirms that $2 million in courthouse funds can be used for the tower; commissioners discussed cost estimates, scaffolding retention and the risk of demobilization.
County staff updated commissioners April 30 on the courthouse improvement work, including the elevator project and a separate clock (bell) tower repair. Staff reported one responsive bid for the tower work at $347,000 and told the board the price could be reduced if the contractor remained on site rather than demobilizing and remobilizing.
Staff said having a contractor on site as they finish a separate $2,000,000 courthouse phase reduces labor and mobilization costs; staff estimated the clock tower work could be closer to $140,000–$165,000 if the contractor stayed on site but that the single, remote bid stood at $347,000 if the contractor demobilizes and returns.
Commissioners heard that state funding discussions were ongoing and that county staff had been told a decision on whether state funds could be applied to the clock tower might be available by Friday, May 2. The board debated whether to instruct staff to tell the contractor to remain on site if state funding is confirmed, or to permit demobilization if funding was not certain.
A motion carried directing staff that if the state allows part of the $2,000,000 funding to be used for the clock tower, county staff should give Kirby Nagel the option to stay on site and proceed with the tower work. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote during the meeting; staff said they will inform the contractor of the outcome depending on the state's confirmation.
Commissioners discussed the trade-offs: leaving scaffolding and equipment in place increases county costs for laydown area and temporary occupancy but may lower total contract cost. Staff pledged to notify the board Friday with the state's decision and to proceed consistent with the direction given by the board.
