Wilson County awards hazard plan, opens construction and insurance bids; approves pew donation and routine bills

Wilson County Commissioners Court on July 8 awarded multiple procurement actions, opened sealed construction bids, and settled routine county business.

Hazard mitigation: County Auditor Brenda Trevino told commissioners a scoring committee reviewed six proposals for a General Land Office–funded Hazard Mitigation Plan update and recommended H2O Partners, which scored 89% in the committee’s evaluation. “The awarded contractor will have until the end of this year to get us a plan so that we can get it to TDEM,” Trevino said; she added the county then expects state review and FEMA’s final approval, with full completion anticipated by April 30, 2025. Commissioner King moved to accept H2O Partners’ proposal, Commissioner Perdola seconded, and the court voted to award the contract.

Bids opened: The court opened sealed lump-sum bids for construction of a new Emergency Operations Center. Bids read into the record included Guido Construction ($6,198,474), D.E. Wilson Construction ($6,775,000), Kahler Company ($6,751,000), Bridal Construction LLC ($6,260,600.06) and FA Nunnally doing business as Nunnally General Contractors ($7,195,000). County staff said RBK will lead the bid evaluation team and bring a recommendation back to the court.

Insurance RFPs and other procurements: Court staff opened proposals for group medical and employee benefits (UnitedHealthcare, MetLife, Tali Benefits, Texas Association of Counties Health & Employee Benefits) and for casualty/liability and workers’ compensation (including the Texas Association of Counties risk pool). Staff said the insurance committee will evaluate submissions and return recommendations.

Pews and surplus property: Commissioners discussed 21 large pews stored in the annex that are occupying needed storage space. Commissioner Martin moved to donate the pews to a church or a 501(c)(3) and to attempt sale if no taker; the motion was seconded and approved.

Other business: The court approved going out for bids on material hauling, bulk gasoline and diesel and related annual contracts beginning Sept. 1. A nonstandard plat/variance for property off County Road 425 (Joanne Van Lowe) was approved after the permitting director noted a correction to the acreage on the variance page. Human Resources reported hires and a resignation. The court approved county bills totaling $284,628.66 and adjourned around 10:30 a.m.

Next steps: RBK and the county will evaluate construction bids and report back with a recommendation; the insurance committee will score proposals and return recommendations to the court; county staff will proceed with the authorized procurement processes and asset disposition steps as directed by the court.