Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Construction Contracts Costs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Notice to proceed for Hurricane Safe Room stalled after contractor cites higher subcontractor bids
Summary
Hardin County issued a notice to proceed to NNT Construction for a Hurricane Safe Room but the contractor reported many subcontract bids had expired, producing an estimated price increase; commissioners expect an update from the contractor before placing further action on the agenda.
Hardin County commissioners told the court that they issued a notice to proceed to NNT Construction for the county's Hurricane Safe Room project on June 24, but the contractor later reported that many subcontractors would not honor prices from the original November 5, 2024 bid. County staff said the contractor identified increases across several trades, including electrical, HVAC and concrete, and the county estimated "the increase is somewhere in the neighborhood of $267,000."
During a July 15 update the county judge said the architect told the court the contractor's subs had notified him that the bids were "no longer any good." The judge and staff said they met with the architect and contractor and asked the contractor to have subcontractors honor their bid prices because no additional funds were available. The contractor reportedly acknowledged some increases were "justified" while also saying some vendors appeared to be raising prices because of tariff-related uncertainty.
County staff asked the contractor to check whether alternative electrical equipment could be used instead of the manufacturer Square D, and the contractor said he would report back by the end of the day Thursday. Commissioners said they would place any necessary action on the next agenda once the contractor provides updated pricing. No formal funding adjustment or vote occurred at the workshop; the judge said the matter remains "in limbo" until the contractor submits revised pricing.
