Courthouse phase‑2 bids top estimates; consultants recommend rebidding electrical package while finance models options

Consultants presented bid results for phase‑2 of the county courthouse remodel and recommended rebidding the electrical package to increase competition after the package returned substantially above the project estimate.

Myron project staff said the base construction bids totaled about $7.7 million, approximately $206,000 over the estimate, and that the electrical package alone arrived roughly $420,000 higher than the previous low bid. The consultants reported that two electrical firms who had previously bid declined this round citing resource issues and difficulty locating a subdivision scope; they canvassed the local market and identified at least four contractors willing to bid if the package were reissued.

Board members reviewed alternates and cost‑saving options. After walking through alternates (roof membrane, partitions, flooring options, snow‑melt system and others) staff and consultants offered a scenario that included a set of selected alternates with a $345,313 add‑on, producing a phase‑2 construction cost near $7.32 million and a total project figure (including phase‑1) in the roughly $9.09–$10.32 million range depending on which items and parking components are included.

Finance staff laid out potential funding sources: bond proceeds, ARPA allocations (some ARPA funds remain for phase‑2 testing/expenses), local option sales tax (LOST) proceeds and general‑fund balance. Under one modeling scenario the county would need roughly $996,000 in local funds (a mix of LOST and general fund) beyond bond proceeds to cover alt‑in costs and outstanding phase‑1 payments.

Supervisors debated options: rebid the electrical package and hope for savings; scale back the project to a north‑entry/elevator replacement only; or redesign. The board directed consultants to rebid the electrical package with a March 18 bid date and to return on March 24 with results; staff were asked to produce financing scenarios, including the option to extend urban‑renewal capture or use fund balance to avoid an increase in property taxes.

Votes at a glance: the board approved consent items (agenda, minutes, authorization of checks) and passed Resolution 26‑20 (minor plat for Summer Farms) during the meeting; decisions on courthouse alternates and financing are pending the rebid results.

What’s next: Consultants will rebid the electrical package; finance staff to produce updated models and report back to the board before mid‑April so the county can decide whether to proceed with current scope or alter the project.