Tazewell County board approves $44.04 million guaranteed maximum price for Justice Center

The Tazewell County Board voted to approve a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $44,042,000 for a new Justice Center, adopting the construction manager’s recommended contract after hours of discussion about timing, contingency and federal funding.

County construction manager John (identified in the packet as the project construction manager) told the board that the architect’s design-development drawings had produced successive estimates: an early conceptual price of $47 million, an updated estimate of $44.7 million and a package of value‑engineering changes that reduced the figure to just under the county’s $44 million target. He said the project includes a $3.4 million construction contingency and a $3 million allowance for owner furniture, fixtures and equipment. “Any of that savings in our contract reverts right back to the county,” John said, summarizing how realized savings would be treated.

Supporters argued approving the GMP now protects the county from commodity‑price spikes and obligates $25 million in federal ARPA funds before year‑end, which county staff said is necessary to remain in compliance with federal deadlines. At several points board members urged urgency: one member noted there are limited remaining board meetings this year and that federal guidance requires funds be obligated by the end of the calendar year.

Opponents asked for a delay so incoming board members could weigh in. Several members moved to table the decision until March; that motion was defeated in a roll‑call vote. The board then returned to the main motion and approved the GMP by roll‑call; the chair announced, “Motion passes.”

John told the board that the design is still being completed and site work could begin as early as March, with additional user‑input meetings and construction‑document work ongoing in the meantime. He outlined several value‑engineering moves the team used to lower cost—examples included substituting standard ceiling tile for wood ceilings in some lobbies, reconsidering certain masonry and glazing choices, and lowering basement grade to avoid an exterior stair and wheelchair lift. He emphasized that alternate finish selections were chosen to preserve durability and appearance while reducing cost.

Next steps outlined by staff include finishing the remaining design work, issuing construction documents and going to bid; staff said portions of site and foundation work may begin in spring to take advantage of competitive winter bidding markets.

The vote followed a prolonged discussion that included questions about whether delaying the vote would jeopardize ARPA obligations and whether the GMP assumptions adequately captured all outstanding design clarifications. The motion to approve the GMP passed; the county will move forward with final design, bidding and early site work as described by staff.