Summary
Johnston County commissioners approved a revised project budget and award to Park Construction to build a wastewater pump station and force main to serve Corinth Holders Elementary School, while directing staff to continue negotiations with Johnston County Public Schools to resolve an approximately $980,070 funding shortfall.
Johnston County commissioners on Nov. 3 approved a revised project budget and the award of a wastewater pump station and force‑main contract for Corinth Holders Elementary School, while asking staff to continue working with Johnston County Public Schools to finalize reimbursement and close a roughly $980,070 funding gap.
Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer said the school is currently served by an on‑site treatment system maintained by the fire department and the school system, and that the county began design work at the school system's request so the elementary school could connect to public sewer. Farmer reported that construction bids were received and Park Construction submitted the low bid; the proposed total project budget is $3,622,176, including easement acquisition, contingency and system development fees. Farmer described the proposed funding split as reimbursement to the county from Johnston County Public Schools for $3,480,070.37 and $142,105.63 from the Corinth Holders Fire Department.
Commissioners and counsel discussed timing: the low bids were extended but would expire Nov. 6–7, leaving limited time to execute a contract without risking higher costs if the project were rebid. County counsel told the board the county legally could front funds and later process a budget revision or reimbursement, but emphasized the administrative steps required and the need for the school system to commit to reimbursement.
Several commissioners said they wanted to preserve the bid prices and advance the project to avoid service interruptions at the school and to retire an older treatment system that staff described as costly to maintain. The board voted to approve the revised project budget and award the contract to Park Construction, with the record showing direction for staff to continue discussions with the school system to secure the promised reimbursement for the school's share and to resolve the $980,070.37 shortfall.
Staff said contract terms anticipate a roughly one‑year construction schedule to allow for equipment lead times. The county will notify the contractor and continue coordination with the school system and the fire department on funding and project administration.
Public records for the project include the design documents, bid tabulation, proposed budget ordinance and correspondence about funding between county staff and the school system.
