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Rutherford County committee reviews capital-project list, asks for FF&E and IT cost estimates
Summary
Chief of staff Eric Hennessy presented an expanded capital-projects spreadsheet, noting key cost columns remain blank pending FF&E and IT estimates, and highlighted site searches for a convenience center and several placeholder projects that need further scoping.
Rutherford County property management committee members on the committee reviewed an updated capital-projects spreadsheet and asked staff to refine cost estimates and priority timing.
Eric Hennessy, chief of staff, said the document—distributed as hard copy and posted on SharePoint—corrects errors from a prior presentation and still leaves the “estimated total” column blank because furnishings, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and IT costs have not yet been determined. “If you look at the column that says estimated total, that is not filled in. That's for a reason because we have not determined what the FF and E and IT cost would be on these,” Hennessy said.
Hennessy walked the committee through several specific items, including a renewed look at the Luverne/Laverne Lake site to assess whether a convenience center can be located there after staff said they had difficulty finding alternative property. He also flagged the Goldstein Building on the spreadsheet as a placeholder while the county develops a project concept.
On professional services, Hennessy said he used the Tennessee state formula to estimate architect and engineering fees as a percentage of construction costs. He gave examples to illustrate how the percentage varies by project size and type: “a project at $6,000,000, you're looking at a 6.22% architectural and engineering fee,” and renovation work typically carries a higher percentage than new construction, he said.
Committee members asked how county and school projects might be presented together for easier planning. Commissioner Dodd said having the school list visible alongside county projects would aid coordination, and Hennessy said he would obtain the updated schools list and consider adding it or placing it adjacent to the county spreadsheet.
Several projects remain at early stages. Hennessy noted the PAWS expansion carries a wide estimated range—about $2.5 million on the low end if it fits the current parcel up to roughly $13.5 million if a new site or larger build is needed—and said placement on the priority list remains undecided.
The committee received the report by motion and voice vote. Hennessy asked members to provide feedback on priorities and timing once FF&E and IT estimates are available; he said staff expects those entries to be filled in by next month or by February at the latest.
