Madison County hires Benchmark Construction to manage new Tax Assessor building after brief attempt to delay

Madison County supervisors voted Nov. 17 to hire Benchmark Construction as construction manager for the county’s planned Tax Assessor building, after hearing a presentation on Benchmark’s preconstruction estimating, daily site oversight and cost-control practices.

Benchmark’s representative, David, told the board the firm performs detailed quantity takeoffs, coordinates mechanical and electrical engineering reviews, maintains daily logs and photographic records — including drone photos — and works with architects and subcontractors to reduce contractor-initiated change orders. “We don’t want any surprises,” he said while describing the firm’s preconstruction and construct‑phase processes.

Supervisor (speaker 21) proposed a substitute motion to table the hiring for one year and use funds to staff the new mega‑site fire station, arguing the county should prioritize staffing protections around major county assets. That substitute motion failed on a voice vote; the original motion to hire Benchmark then passed on a voice vote.

Benchmark’s representative said the firm’s preconstruction and construction-phase fees are approximately 1.36% each, with additional personnel fees to be detailed in a contract. The board directed Benchmark to return at the next meeting with final contract language and a clear breakdown of percentages and personnel costs before any contract is executed.

Next steps: Benchmark will provide a draft contract and fee schedule for board review; the board will review those terms and may vote to authorize the president to sign at a subsequent meeting.