Liberty Lake approves $3.3 million construction contract for new city hall after bids come in below estimate

The Liberty Lake City Council on March 3 approved a construction services contract for the new city hall after staff reported bids that came in substantially below the government estimate.

Staff summarized procurement results: the government estimate (base bid plus alternates) was about $4.6 million; the lowest responsive bid including all alternates was approximately $3.3 million. Staff recommended awarding the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Darden, and to accept all ten alternates (which include a full roof replacement, interior upgrades intended to reduce maintenance, a covered entrance canopy, and added council-chamber windows).

Ben (project staff) said the bid environment produced a range from roughly $3.3 million to $4.0 million for base bids and that the low bid was about 27% under the government estimate. Council members asked about the move-out and construction schedule; staff said Legacy Church's move-out date is set for April 10 and the contractor aims to begin work around mid-April to May, with precise dates to follow once the contract is finalized.

Council moved and unanimously approved the contract. The council also noted that receiving bids under estimate leaves room for future facility planning and other capital considerations.

Why it matters: The contract approves the main construction vendor for a major city capital project; the favorable bid outcome reduces forecasted capital cost and may affect the city's capital-facilities planning.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract with Darden, confirm the construction start date and move logistics, and provide schedule updates to council.