Newport awards $95,862 contract for Community Center renovations to house police temporarily

The Newport City Council approved a $95,862 construction contract to renovate space at the Newport Community Center in Tanner so the city’s police department can continue operating there after flood damage displaced it from its usual facility.

A city official presenting the project said the work includes nine rooms to be used for storage, offices, detective work and secure areas while the police department remains at the community center during planning and construction of a permanent facility. “We are hoping… we are hoping to get some assistance on some of this through FEMA,” the presenter said, adding that staff had no firm estimate of how much might be reimbursed.

Three bids were received after an initial solicitation produced no offers; the apparent low bidder was identified in the meeting as M and B and R Contractors, with a submitted bid of $95,862. Council approved the contract by roll call; Alderman Mike Hansel, Alderman Leona Ottinger, Alderman Randy Reagan and Alderman Steve Smith recorded yes votes.

City staff told the council the community center renovations were planned to be durable and suitable for long-term reuse after the police department moves to a permanent home. Staff said they do not expect to build a temporary-only facility and that the rooms will serve recreation and program needs after the police department vacates. The presenter estimated a best-case schedule of about two years for a new police facility and said staff will coordinate construction phasing so the center can continue to operate while work proceeds.