Clay County moves forward on Oakleaf library design, sets CMAR selection interviews

The Board of County Commissioners took steps July 22 to advance a planned Oakleaf library branch by approving county engagement of a design firm and directing staff to proceed with a construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) procurement process.

Project manager Craig Singleton briefed the board on the project budget and schedule. The county’s current budget for the Oakleaf branch is $10 million, comprised of local sales surtax revenue, $1 million in impact fees and a $750,000 state appropriation. Singleton said a proposed guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for construction was developed at $8 million, with allowances for furniture, fixtures and equipment (estimated $800,000) and utility connections (estimated $200,000). He noted the county has contingency room and projected a fall 2027 completion if design work begins in September: about 10 months design, two months permitting and 14 months construction under the proposed timeline.

Board members asked whether the county could move forward only on design; procurement staff and the county’s project procurement lead said the preferred method is to bring the CMAR on early in the design phase to gain constructability input and cost‑control benefits. The board agreed to hire the designer and to shortlist and interview the top three CMAR respondents; commissioners directed staff to conduct presentations from the top three proposers before selecting a CMAR. The board approved the design contract and directed staff to proceed to CMAR interviews.

Library services director Mary (presenter name in the record) described how county library hours and staffing would be restructured to open the Oakleaf branch without adding full‑time staff: current branches would shift from two daily staffing shifts to a single, eight‑hour staffing model; two part‑time staff would replace a departing full‑time position in some locations; and the county expects a modest annual operating increase of about $65,000–$87,000 for collections and facilities at opening.

Why it matters: This action begins the formal process of designing and building an Oakleaf library branch that county officials have described as filling a service gap in rapidly growing northern Clay County. The board will see a second contract if staff negotiates a GMP with a CMAR; only then would an $8 million construction contract reach the board for approval.

Ending: Staff will schedule interviews with the top three CMAR proposers and return an executed designer contract to the board. The county emphasized procurement off‑ramps: the board will have another opportunity to stop before signing the GMP and committing to construction.