Meriwether County rejects $672,117 elections build-out bid; staff authorized to negotiate lower price or re-solicit

Meriwether County commissioners on Jan. 8 rejected the lone construction bid for the elections build-out and authorized staff to try to negotiate a lower price with the bidder before pursuing alternative procurement methods.

Staff reported that Rubio & Sons Interior Inc. submitted a base bid of $672,117 plus roughly $20,000 in additional charges. The original project estimate in the packet had been approximately $500,000 before county staff completed demolition work. The elections office needs completed build-out to accommodate scheduled election operations; staff indicated a target move-in date tied to the April 18 elections calendar.

Why this matters: Only one bid was received and its price significantly exceeded the prior estimate. Commissioners expressed concern about cost, the adequacy of competition, and the need to ensure the elections office is ready in time. Staff recommended rejecting the single bid and attempting negotiation with Rubio & Sons first; if negotiation fails, staff will seek multiple offers under professional-services procurement rules and comply with county procurement guidelines.

Action taken: The board voted to reject the RFP and to permit staff to negotiate with Rubio & Sons for a lower price; staff said it would return with results or pursue a new procurement path if negotiations fail.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to pursue direct solicitations to generate competitive bids and to return to the board for approval of any negotiated settlement or alternative contract award.