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Commissioners pause selection of evidence-storage proposals, direct staff to clarify bids
Summary
Elbert County received six proposals for a new sheriff's-office evidence storage facility, with costs from about $1.5 million to over $4 million. Facilities manager Maddie Bond and a construction representative urged clearer scope and interviews; the board voted to seek further information and clarification before proceeding.
Maddie Bond, Elbert County facilities manager, told commissioners Jan. 28 that six design-build teams submitted proposals in response to an October RFP for a sheriff's-office evidence storage facility, with proposals ranging from roughly $1.5 million to just over $4 million.
Bond said the submissions varied considerably in scope — including differences in parking, landscaping, electrical systems and security functions — and recommended the county clarify project requirements and evaluate which features are essential before choosing a contractor. "Given these substantial differences, we believe it is necessary to further evaluate and clearly define the specific requirements needed to ensure the project is both effective and efficient before moving forward," she said.
Adrienne Tuck of Owen Ames Kimball, a construction firm that proposed on the project, urged the county to interview qualified teams and not rely solely on price, stressing the importance of chain-of-custody and secure construction standards for evidence storage.
After discussion, the board voted to not proceed with the current bids and to direct staff to seek more information and clarification from proposers. Commissioners noted the wide variance in scope across proposals and said a clearer, standardized scope of work will help the county compare bids and interview teams if needed.
