Union County accepts CDBG-DR tower contract and is briefed on courthouse change orders

County staff presented a CDBG-DR infrastructure repair contract for communications towers and asked the board to accept the award. Mister Williams described the contract as 'the towers' work and said it was 'the 1 point something million dollars' and that there is no local match. Commissioner McNeal moved to accept the contract; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff indicated the paperwork would be routed for signatures that evening.

Separately, Williams briefed the board on pending courthouse construction change orders. He said three change orders already completed included demolition of approximately 126 square feet of concrete and a damaged exterior brick column ($4,200), foundation/block work to repair footers ($6,700) and two small concrete islands along the roadway ($1,500). Additional pending items include handrails at the tax collector entrance, flooring replacement in an area with cracking, and HVAC ductwork to condition a newly configured space (estimated at $1,200). Williams said the construction committee met and expects contractors to return proposals within two to three weeks for the board to approve associated costs.

Williams and commissioners noted a potential need to move a recently placed handicap ramp because its current configuration could create safety and liability concerns; rework would require removing newly poured concrete and add cost. The committee discussed options (adjusting bulletproof glass panels, changing ramp alignment) and recommended that staff bring specific proposals and cost estimates to the board for approval before proceeding.

No fines or penalties were announced; the board directed staff to collect cost estimates, consult the project engineer and return with recommendations at the next committee meeting.