Commission approves up to $75,000 for jail kitchen plumbing repairs; Max Air awarded contract

County staff reported a deteriorating plumbing system in the county jail kitchen and presented two bids for repair: an exploratory "option 1" from Max Air Plumbing at $28,013 and a full replacement option at $61,980; Bates Mechanical submitted a bid of $78,175 for a comprehensive repair. Staff recommended using SPLOST funds and awarding the full-replacement scope to Max Air with a not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 to allow for possible change orders once crews open the slab.

Commission discussion noted the need to avoid repeated temporary fixes and to use durable materials (PVC/high-rated piping) for longevity. Staff said coordinating meal preparation off-site will be required while work proceeds. Legal review will be completed before the chair or vice chair signs the contract.

A commissioner moved and the board approved an additional $50,000 beyond the previously authorized $25,000 (bringing the total available to $75,000) to complete the jail kitchen plumbing work, to be awarded to Max Air Plumbing, with signature authority for the chair or vice chair and subject to legal review. The transcript records an affirmative "All in favor" with no roll-call tallies given.

Staff noted Max Air estimated 7 to 10 business days to complete the comprehensive replacement while Bates estimated up to three weeks; staff recommended Max Air as the vendor. The work will replace metal piping under the kitchen slab and prepare the system for long-term use.

County Attorney Michael (present at the meeting) and staff discussed contract review to ensure change-order allowances were handled in a binding contract.

Michael: "We would allow for the chair of vice chair to sign the quote and then pending legal review of the contract."