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Supervisors agree to seek bids for Coastal Mississippi HVAC replacement after staff presents cost options
Summary
Harrison County staff recommended formally bidding replacement of the HVAC system at county office space used by Coastal Mississippi, citing an estimated full replacement near $797,000 and advising against an emergency procurement.
Harrison County staff briefed supervisors on a proposed HVAC replacement at county‑owned office space occupied by Coastal Mississippi. Staff presented two cost scenarios and advised the commission that the project should be publicly bid rather than awarded without competition.
What staff presented
County staff said the mechanical contractor’s estimates included a repair option (about $217,000) and a full‑replacement option. Staff provided two aggregate figures for full replacement, and the larger estimate discussed at the meeting was approximately $797,000. Staff said that because the expected replacement would constitute a total system replacement and exceed the county’s purchase thresholds, the county should solicit sealed bids rather than use an emergency procurement.
Why it matters: Coastal Mississippi occupies the county building space while it is being renovated; staff said the agency is expected to remain in temporary space for about a year. Project timing and procurement method affect cost, disruption, and county budget review cycles.
Board discussion and direction
Supervisors discussed whether to treat the work as an emergency repair or to go to bid. Several supervisors and Coastal Mississippi representatives said that, because Coastal Mississippi expects to occupy alternative space for about a year, there is time to bid the work. One supervisor said he would support bidding and then returning to the board with the lowest and best bid for approval; another supervisor said he would be willing to support paying a portion of the work if needed.
Board response and next steps
Supervisors agreed to put the project out for sealed bids, direct staff to return with recommended award information (lowest and best bid), and to consider financial support options for Coastal Mississippi (one supervisor offered a potential 50% subsidization stance subject to board vote and finance checks). No final appropriation was made at the meeting; staff said they would return with bid results and recommended contract award for board action.
Ending
Staff will proceed to prepare specifications and a sealed‑bid procurement and will report back with the low, responsive, and responsible bid for the board’s consideration.
