Resident urges renegotiation of Messer contract for DSS building upfit

A resident raised concerns at Wednesday's meeting about the contract terms and projected cost of the Department of Social Services (DSS) renovation at the former ACN building.

David Conrad, a resident addressing the board during public comment, said Messer Construction is billing the county between $110 and $175 per hour for project managers and superintendents, which he compared to a market rate of $60 to $80 per hour in North Carolina. He said the contract allows Messer to bill 40 hours per week per person "regardless of how many hours are actually worked," and called that clause fiscally irresponsible.

Conrad also criticized the requirement for a contractor-controlled insurance program (CCIP), which he said imposes a $25 surcharge per $1,000 of contract value and transfers control of insurance administration to the contractor. He noted that other counties use owner-controlled insurance programs and standard coverage and urged the county to reassess the insurance model.

Conrad said the county has not secured a guaranteed maximum price; what has been described as a $20 million project remains an estimate. He urged the board to renegotiate labor rates, eliminate the 40-hour billing clause, establish a GMP before further commitments, reassess the insurance model, and pursue a shorter project timeline.

He concluded: "DSS deserves a functional home, a modern functional home, but taxpayers also deserve smart, responsible stewardship." The board did not take immediate action during public comment; the comment was recorded for any follow-up by county staff.