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Washington County building committee: bids close to estimate, alternates eyed to boost contingency
Summary
County staff reported bids for a $7 million building renovation came in near the architect's estimate, leaving an 8.9% contingency (slightly under the industry 10% standard). The building committee will review alternates; staff recommended approving alternates to avoid higher costs later.
County staff told the committee that bids for a planned $7 million renovation and addition to a county facility came in close to the architect’s estimate and left a contingency of roughly 8.9 percent — slightly under the commonly recommended 10 percent.
Jamie Ludovic, chief community development officer, described the package of work covered by the base bid and by alternates: a new generator, card-access system, digital and exterior signage, new furniture, extended millwork in the boardroom, IT equipment, monitors and Teams rooms, parking-lot and Schmidt Road paving work and interior finishes. Jamie said the $7 million figure includes architectural fees and permits.
The building committee will review alternates on Monday. Jamie said if some alternates are excluded from the award, the savings would boost the contingency and could be used as a contingency source. He noted that a typical contingency in a project of this type is about 10 percent, which would amount to roughly $60,000 more than the current 8.9 percent.
Staff identified security-related alternates recommended after a sheriff’s deputy attended a national conference; items include higher-grade safety film for some windows. Seltzer Orange — the low bidder — proposed an interior schedule that delays internal work until November and compresses the interior construction to about one year rather than about 16 months; staff said that shorter window would reduce disruption during peak county operations such as tax season and elections.
Committee members asked about sequencing and whether work would affect the treasurer or clerk during busy times. Staff said they were coordinating the schedule to avoid major disruptions. The building committee will review alternates and timing and will report back; no final contract award or formal committee vote on final alternates was recorded at Thursday’s meeting.
Staff emphasized that interior work is not weather-dependent, but exterior work is planned for the fall.
