Christian County commissioners voted to award a project-management services contract to Navigate Building Solutions to serve as the county's owner's representative for the planned 40-acre county campus.

Todd and other project staff described the scope: independent construction-cost opinions, bid optimization to increase competition, coordination between architects and contractors, and enhanced oversight to limit change orders. "They can hold people accountable, advise us on whatever situation may arise, and help make sure the county is getting what it's paying for," one staff member said.

Commissioner Williams and other members cited experience from the city of Nixa and Nixa schools as examples of Navigate saving money on similar projects; commissioners said early estimates suggest Navigate's involvement could save