Board authorizes $9,250 design work for Macon Early College repairs and possible school resource officer office

Macon County commissioners approved funding for architectural design work to add a possible secure office area at Macon County Early College and moved forward with bidding the building repairs.

What the board approved The county has a design contract in place for repair work at Macon County Early College; staff recommended adding an alternate design to enclose the building's front area to create two offices that could house a school resource officer (SRO). The board authorized the architect to prepare the alternate construction documents for an amount not to exceed $9,250, funded by a budget amendment from contingency. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the design authorization and the related budget amendment.

Reasoning and context County staff said the Early College needs improved security and workspace for an SRO; enclosing the front area would allow staff to control entry and create two interior offices while preserving flexibility for future uses. Jack Morgan told the board that including the enclosure as a bid alternate allows the county to compare costs during the repair procurement and avoid returning later for a separate scope if the school requests it.

Procurement and next steps Staff will include the enclosure as an alternate in the package when bids are solicited for the repair work. The board did not obligate construction funds for the enclosure; commissioners approved only the design fee for construction documents. The repair work itself will proceed to bid under the existing design contract; staff said the Early College repairs are ready to be advertised.

Vote Commissioner Shields moved to approve a $9,250 design authorization and budget amendment from contingency; the motion passed 5–0.

Key quote A commissioner: "I think anything we can do for security of the school, the kids that work there, I believe our children are our most valuable asset."