Commission approves design‑phase contract for training tower; two commissioners dissent over cost
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Summary
The board authorized a continuing services agreement for geospatial surveying and approved an amendment adding $102,850 in construction‑phase design services for the county's public safety training facility. Commissioners Vargas and Hurd voted against the latter, calling the overall training project cost escalation reckless.
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 10 authorized two contract actions: (A1) a continuing services agreement for specialized geospatial and coastal surveying (recommended award to three firms, NTE $1.5 million over five years) and (B1) an amendment to RHE Architects for additional construction administration services related to the county’s public safety training tower project (amendment $102,850).
Chief Procurement Officer Christie Brotherton presented the contracting recommendations. The geospatial contract (A1) passed unanimously. The amendment for additional design and construction administration services for the training tower (B1) passed 3–2, with Commissioners Vargas and Hurd dissenting.
The training tower project budget cited by staff during the discussion was approximately $18,214,000. Several commissioners questioned cost growth and whether there is a cap. Deputy public works director Mark Cabany and County Administrator Don Donaldson said the project scope expanded after initial planning (notably to add a burn building and other elements), necessitating additional construction‑phase services and oversight.
Commissioner Vargas criticized the escalation and urged clearer budget boundaries. "This is reckless," she said, arguing additional expense authority could lead to uncontrolled cost growth. Supporters of the amendment said the added services are standard for ensuring the county receives the facility it contracted for and that construction administration and site coordination are necessary for complex specialty facilities.
Contract approvals: - A1 (geospatial services): approved unanimously; staff to execute agreements with the three highest‑scoring firms. - B1 (RHE Architects amendment $102,850): approved 3–2, with Commissioners Vargas and Hurd opposed.
Implementation: county staff will execute the contracts and proceed with construction administration services; staff indicated the amendment was necessary to complete the training tower scope approved in the capital plan.