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Board approves in‑house ceiling work at new Emergency Services building after contractor bid dispute
Summary
Faced with a $14,300 subcontractor bid to add a fire‑rated ceiling missed in the plans, county staff and volunteers will complete the required ceiling work at the new Emergency Services building at an estimated cost of about $4,000; the board approved using in‑house staff by board vote with objections noted.
Richland County supervisors authorized county ambulance staff to complete a required ceiling project at the new Emergency Services addition after a subcontractor quoted $14,300 to do the work. Director Darren Gudgeon (joining by remote connection) said the building plans as prepared by the engineer did not include a finished, fire‑rated ceiling in the addition; the county’s building inspector required the ceiling to prevent fire spread between the new and existing building.
Gudgeon said a subcontractor proposed a price that he and others found excessive for the work (22 sheets of 4×8 Type X drywall and associated finishing). Gudgeon told the board the county has staff with prior construction experience and access to donated equipment (a scissor lift from Miller Electric) and estimated materials and labor would total about $4,000, including roughly $452 for drywall material. He said the county’s approach will meet the state inspector’s specification for 5/8‑inch Type X drywall, taped and finished.
County counsel agreed to review contract language and the board discussed whether to hold back payment to the prime contractor if the cost resulted from an omission. Board members raised safety and liability questions and were advised the work would be performed by county employees (covered by the county’s insurance and workers’ compensation) using appropriate fall‑protection and equipment. The board approved the in‑house completion under the joint ambulance committee’s request (resolution 22‑122) by voice vote; a supervisor recorded an objection on the record.
The county indicated the in‑house option will save approximately $12,500 compared with the subcontractor quote and will allow the ambulance operation to occupy the building once the inspector signs off.
