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Fayette County tables decision on jail security gates after inconsistent contractor quotes
Summary
After reviewing multiple, inconsistent quotes for two security gates behind the jail, commissioners directed staff to standardize specifications (20-foot gates, 8-foot height, barbed wire and control box) and to obtain clarified, complete bids; the item was postponed to the next meeting.
Fayette County commissioners reviewed competing contractor estimates to install two security gates behind the county jail and postponed a purchase decision after staff identified inconsistencies across bids in gate width, material and electrical scope.
Deputy staff and contractors supplied multiple quotes that varied in gate width (listed ranges from 20 to 32 feet), construction material (galvanized steel versus aluminum) and whether gate drives, control wiring and electrical work were included. One vendor’s cantilever quote was listed as $34,200; another vendor, Integrity Property Solutions, quoted $32,895; Higher Standard Fabrication quoted $25,500 for galvanized steel or $30,000 for aluminum; Allard Fence Incorporated’s quote was $35,700. Commissioners and staff agreed those variations made direct comparison difficult.
The board instructed staff to prepare a single, clearly specified solicitation: a 20-foot-wide cantilever gate on the east and a 20-foot-wide swing gate on the west, both 8 feet tall with three-strand barbed wire and an external control box; staff should clarify whether vendors will supply and install control wiring to the facility control room or if a separate electrician will be required. Commissioners moved to table the decision and ask for clarified, completed quotes; the motion to postpone was seconded and carried. Staff said they will return updated, standardized quotes and clarify the cost to have a single contractor perform both fencing and electrical work or, alternatively, the incremental cost of hiring a separate electrical contractor.
