Commissioners approve $27,600 for Franklin clock tower repairs; town and garden club to coordinate tree work

Macon County commissioners voted to accept a contractor's bid to repair the downtown Franklin clock tower and approved a budget amendment to cover the work and a small contingency.

What the board approved County staff received three bids for the clock tower scope of exterior wood repairs, flashing and roof work. The low bidder, Carolina Builder Services, submitted a base bid plus an alternate for potential skylight replacement. The board motioned to accept the base bid and the alternate and to add a 10% contingency. The base plus alternate totaled $25,082.41; with a 10% contingency the board approved a budget amendment of $27,600 from contingency funds to cover the work. Commissioners voted unanimously.

Why the alternate and contingency Project lead Jack Morgan told the board the skylight above the clock tower is heavily flashed and may not survive reroofing; bidders included an alternate price to replace it only if necessary. Morgan also recommended a small contingency to cover unforeseen conditions discovered during work, noting bidders had toured the structure during a pre‑bid inspection.

Related sidewalk and tree work While discussing the clock tower repairs, county staff circulated photographs and a recommendation from the Garden Club and the town identifying several large trees near the courthouse and Rankin Square whose root systems are uplifting sidewalks. County staff said the town of Franklin supports a coordinated effort to remove and replace those trees while sidewalk work is performed; the Garden Club and county staff will work with the town and extension services on selection of replacement species. Commissioners indicated willingness to fund tree replacement and to coordinate timing with the clock tower project.

Speakers and votes Speaker Jack Morgan, who brought the bid and scope to the board, recommended the award. Commissioner Sherrill moved to accept the low bid and to add the contingency; the motion passed 5–0. The board subsequently approved a budget amendment (motion by Sherrill, second by Breeden) to transfer $27,600 from the county contingency fund to pay the project costs.

Next steps Staff will execute the contract with Carolina Builder Services and coordinate with the town of Franklin and the Garden Club on tree removal, sidewalk repair and replanting plans. The contract calls for completion within the advertised period (60 calendar days per the bid documents), subject to the normal change‑order process.

Direct quotes from the meeting Jack Morgan: "The price is good. I went over and put, in my mind, if I was bidding that job, and that's a good price." Mike Norris (during other agenda items): "We had to shift the building further back toward higher ground in order to achieve that no rise."