Cherokee Park grant projects move forward; low electrical bid accepted with exception and vehicle budget amended

The Finance Committee approved several actions tied to Cherokee Park on items funded by a tourism enhancement grant and by park asset sales.

County staff reminded commissioners the county previously accepted a tourism enhancement grant totaling $110,000 for three Cherokee Park projects: a roof replacement at the Horner Daughtery Pavilion, electrical upgrades at parts of the campground and paving. Staff said the pavilion roof has been completed and the remaining funds support electrical work and paving.

For the electrical upgrades, the committee reviewed competitive bids. The lowest bid listed was $13,270, substantially lower than the next lowest bid. Staff recommended accepting the low bid but authorizing the county to approve a contract not to exceed $20,000 to cover expected trenching and conduit work that may increase costs. Staff noted the grant covers 90% of eligible costs and the county is responsible for a 10% match. The committee approved the recommendation.

Separately, the committee approved a budget amendment to increase Cherokee Park's vehicle line using sales proceeds from two surplus golf carts. The park had budgeted $30,000 this year to purchase a used pickup truck; sales of a golf cart last month ($2,875) and a prior sale in June ($6,700) produced proceeds the county moved back into the park vehicle account. The amendment moves $5,000 from those proceeds so the park can purchase a new truck priced about $7,800 above the originally budgeted amount.

Committee members asked about bid exceptions and the bidding process; staff said the bid documents and alternates are listed in the packet and that the recommended award includes a limit to prevent the contract exceeding $20,000 without further commission approval.

Motions on both the bid award (with exception) and the budget amendment passed by voice vote.