Committee votes to request RFP for pared-back 5,000-square-foot Emergency Management building with water

Vernon County—s General Government Committee voted June 5 to issue a new request for proposals for a pared-back 5,000-square-foot Emergency Management building that includes water service. The decision follows earlier bids and materials estimates that showed large variation depending on design, utilities and interior fit-out.

What the committee considered: Staff presented prior bids, a revised materials-only estimate for a smaller shell, and options that range from a minimal 4,000-square-foot shell without water to a more complete 5,000-square-foot building with plumbing, bathrooms and utilities. One vendor provided a materials estimate of roughly $97,600 for a scaled-back shell; other historic design bids for a more complete facility reached higher totals.

Committee discussion and rationale: Committee members argued the county needs to balance near-term cost limits and long-term functionality. "If we're gonna build it for $3.49 (350,000) but every day we use it, we're gonna be ******* and moaning because we don't have the stuff in it that we want. Why bother?" one member said, urging a future-proofed approach. Others cautioned that rebidding at a larger size could delay construction and risk higher bids.

Motion and outcome: Committee member Lauren moved and Dave seconded that staff prepare and issue an RFP for a paired-back 5,000-square-foot building that includes water service and that portions such as HVAC, electrical and concrete/site work be bid as separate line items or options. The motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The Emergency Management building is intended to house county emergency equipment and support training and operations. Committee members noted the county currently stores equipment outside when interior space is insufficient and that a larger building would address long-term needs; however, costs and funding authority from finance remain constraints.

Next steps: Staff will prepare a formal RFP that specifies the pared-back 5,000-square-foot footprint with water stubbed in, list separable contractor scopes (concrete/sitework, HVAC, electrical) and return with bids and a recommended funding path to the county board and Finance. If bids materially exceed the county—s budget authorization, the board will need to consider additional funding or a reduced scope.

Ending: The committee—s action advances a procurement process intended to determine realistic construction costs for a building that can meet equipment storage and training needs while separating bids for trade work to improve price transparency.