Carroll County Public Works on July 31 outlined plans to replace a transfer-station building whose roof collapsed in January and presented vendor recommendations for the building, site work and equipment. The building contractor selection (RKR, $3,473,900) was recommended by the scoring committee but the board deferred final approval to the next regular meeting to let commissioners register public support. The county approved related items on the consent agenda: a concrete-finishing contract (Caliber 1, $246,525), a site-work package not to exceed $800,000 (truck scales to be bid separately), and purchase of a larger wheel loader (Hyundai HL965) with an additional 3,000-hour warranty for a total price of $284,936.21.

Why it matters: the transfer station is a county operational facility; replacing the building and upgrading site infrastructure affects solid-waste operations, capital spending, and local contractor selection. The county indicated portions of the project will be funded from the solid waste fund and from 2021 SPLOST monies where noted.

Details: Public Works director Danny Yates said RFPs were sent in June and returned in July; the scoring committee recommended RKR for the building contract at $3,473,900 and said it would stand behind that recommendation. One commissioner asked that the public see who supported the recommendation; the board agreed to delay the vote on the building contract until Tuesday to allow public visibility. For the building's concrete finishing, the committee recommended Caliber 1 at $246,525; that item was placed on consent. Public Works proposed buying a larger articulated wheel loader (Hyundai HL965), which the department recommended as the best value. The loader price is about $275,000 with an optional extended 3,000-hour warranty for $9,936.21, bringing the total to $284,936.21; the county noted Hyundai has parts distribution in Atlanta and an assembled presence in Georgia.

Site work and funding: the county described a 'site work package' to be performed largely in-house that includes grading, stormwater systems, base rock for concrete, fencing and new truck scales; the board approved a not-to-exceed $800,000 figure for site work and directed staff to return truck-scale procurement to the commissioners with a separate RFP or multiple bids because scales are a sizeable, service-sensitive item. Public Works said some costs would be paid from the solid waste fund and noted some concrete work would be charged to 2021 funding lines.

Procurement notes: commissioners emphasized contractor qualifications, parts/service availability and warranty coverage. One commissioner said local sourcing of contractors was a concern and asked that the public be able to see vote details when the building contract is considered. The transcript records no final contract award for the building as of July 31; related items listed above were approved for consent or scheduled for a future vote.