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Committee holds $636,425 parks building transfer after procurement and form concerns
Summary
Resolution 221003 to transfer $636,425 for a new Parks natural resources building at Fleming Operations Center was held after the county auditor said the item should be an ordinance; committee members objected to using a term‑and‑supply contractor for what they said is a capital project and raised concerns about missed competitive bidding and MWBE/VBE goals.
Resolution 221003, which would authorize a $636,425 transfer from the park revenue fund to construct a new natural resources building at Fleming Operations Center, was presented to the Jackson County Public Works Committee but held for further work after procurement and form concerns.
Cheryl Coulter, director of finance, and Parks staff described the project scope—replacement of an obsolete 8110 East Park Road building with a 100-by-40-by-20 metal structure including mechanical, electrical and plumbing—and the budget breakdown: $563,425 in construction cost, $100,000 for inspection and survey, and $28,000 (5%) contingency, for a total of $636,425. Parks told the committee it recommends Heartland Construction, a county term‑and‑supply general contractor, perform the work so the project can be delivered faster than a traditional competitive bid.
The county auditor (committee staff) advised that the item should be filed as an ordinance because it appropriates undesignated fund balance. "The auditor has rightfully pointed out to me... this should be an ordinance," the auditor said. Committee members also objected to using a term‑and‑supply contract for what several called a capital project, expressing concerns the approach denies local contractors an opportunity to compete and may bypass MWBE/VBE goals. "To me, this needs to be bid out in a capital project," Chair Manuel Bark said, adding he would vote no on the current filing and preferred re‑introduction as an ordinance with full bid opportunity.
Parks staff said timing and the availability of funds this year motivated the approach: they argued that without term‑and‑supply the project could be delayed six to nine months and funding might not be available next year. Staff also said the existing building has a collapsing roof and an unsafe chemical room and that operations and employee safety warrant prompt replacement.
Because the auditor flagged the form error and committee members questioned procurement, the committee agreed the resolution will be held and staff will refile the item in the correct form and with additional procurement documentation for committee review.
Next steps: Parks and finance staff said they will work with legal and purchasing to refile the request as an ordinance and provide the committee with procurement and compliance documentation prior to reintroduction.
