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Commissioners postpone vote on $2.75M Jackson Grove workforce-housing contract after staff flags $275,000 shortfall
Summary
Staff recommended awarding a USDA-backed $3 million workforce housing project bid to Group 3 Management but said site and engineering costs create a $275,000 shortfall. Commissioners voted 3-2 to postpone action to the May 5 meeting to seek more time or a contract extension.
County staff recommended awarding a construction contract for the Jackson Grove workforce housing project and appropriating additional county funds to cover a bid shortfall, but commissioners postponed a final vote.
What was proposed: staff said Northampton County received a $3 million USDA grant to support workforce housing and that the successful bidder after two rounds of bidding was Group 3 Management of Kinston. The presented bid and incurred engineering costs left a funding deficit staff estimated at about $275,000. Staff recommended accepting the bid and using general-fund dollars to cover the shortfall while noting contingency in the contract could return unused funds.
Why commissioners postponed: several commissioners asked about the timing and about whether the board should act that night. Staff said the bid expiration occurs in the first week of May, which prompted urgency. Commissioners expressed differing views on priorities, with some stressing the county's housing shortage and recruitment value for teachers and county employees and others urging more time to consider other county needs. One commissioner asked whether an extension could be obtained from the bidder; staff said an extension could be requested and a special meeting could be called if necessary.
Vote and immediate next steps: a motion to postpone consideration of the award to the May 5 meeting carried 3 to 2. Staff said if a contract extension is not available before May 5, the county could call a special meeting to act earlier.
Staff comment: the presenter noted that the $3 million grant was awarded in 2022 and that costs rose in subsequent years when architectural and construction costs were bid; the county would own the houses and could receive rental or sale revenue, staff said.
Ending: The board directed staff to pursue an extension if possible and to return the item for decision at the May 5 meeting or to schedule a special meeting if the bid deadline cannot be extended.
