Ashe County commissioners direct bid on single-ply option for middle school roof

The Ashe County Board of Commissioners voted July 7 to direct architects to prepare bid documents for the middle school roof project with the single-ply option as the primary bid and the other option listed as an alternate.

Commissioner Mike Eldreth said the project has been delayed while the county and school board decide between two roof systems. County staff said architects recommended bidding both options so the county would have firm prices and a direct comparison. A county official reported preliminary estimates “between $1.5 and $2,100,000,” and commissioners emphasized that the project will not be priced definitively until contractors bid the work.

Board members discussed warranty lengths and long-term value. One commissioner expressed a preference for the lower-cost single-ply option, noting both options reportedly carried similar warranties in the architects’ presentations. County staff said the project must complete design and secure Department of Public Instruction approval before bids can be advertised.

Commissioners agreed to proceed with bids and to bring the bids back for a future funding decision. County staff said the school system has set aside $500,000 from public school renovation funds toward the project, and any additional funding decisions will await the formal bid results and subsequent board consideration.

Separately, commissioners asked about an unrelated pool-roof issue and were advised county attorneys are discussing that matter; no formal action was taken on the pool roof at the meeting.