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Clay County commissioners flag unfinished Bridge Street annex work, schedule walk-through; consider withholding retainage
Summary
County commissioners discussed persistent construction defects at the Bridge Street annex — including dead outlets, uneven flooring and incomplete doors — and agreed to schedule a walk-through next Monday while exploring holding retainage and hiring another contractor if issues remain.
Clay County Commissioners Court discussed multiple incomplete and potentially unsafe items at the county's Bridge Street annex during its March 24 special session, and agreed to schedule a walk-through next Monday and consider holding retainage while soliciting bids to finish the work.
Commissioner Brenda raised the list of outstanding items, saying the annex still has "dead outlets," "a dip in the floor" that people have stubbed their toes on, unfinished vanities and interior doors that do not lock. Brenda said county maintenance staff have performed temporary repairs but the contractor has not completed punch-list items and that the county is still holding a percentage of retainage on the contract.
The court heard that the outstanding retainage is roughly $20,000–$25,000, and that some small retainage amounts (for door frames) are still listed in the project records. Commissioner Jack and others asked whether the county could withhold final payment or pursue alternate contractors; the court discussed getting a firm list from county staff of unresolved items and obtaining bids for completing repairs. Commissioner Ben recommended getting bids so the court could compare the cost to finish the work against the amount of retainage.
County staff reported there has been limited contractor responsiveness. Deputy Eric (county deputy) told the court by message that he had not been contacted by the contractor and that the county has not received retainage payments related to subcontractor claims. Commissioners said they believe the contractor Cunningham Clark has had ample time to complete punch-list items and discussed treating the project as potentially abandoned if it remains unfinished.
The court directed staff to compile a written list of outstanding items and to arrange a walk-through at the Bridge Street annex next Monday; after the walk-through the court said it would consider soliciting competitive bids to finish the work and determining whether to withhold the remaining retainage or pursue other remedies. The matter was recorded as a discussion item; the court did not vote to retain or release funds on March 24.
Commissioners also discussed safety concerns at the construction site, including nails reportedly left near the site and inside the fenced area used by workers. County staff and commissioners said they would raise the issue with the contractor and ask crews to pick up debris to avoid damage to county vehicles and hazards to the public.
Background: the Bridge Street annex project has been the subject of prior walk-throughs and punch-list discussions. Commissioners said portions of the building remain incomplete despite occupancy and that county crews have performed interim repairs. Commissioners asked staff to include a decision item on the next agenda so the court can determine whether to retain funds, hire a different contractor to complete the work, or take other steps.
What’s next: county staff will assemble a written list of outstanding items, arrange a Monday walk-through, and return to the court with bids or recommendations for next steps, including potential use of retainage to fund completion work if the current contractor does not finish the project.
