Sevier County Budget Committee accepts $31.79 million GMP for new courts building

The Sevier County Budget Committee voted May 25 to accept a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $31,790,854 from Johnson & Galyon Construction for a new county courts building and authorized Mayor Larry Waters to sign the contract before the May 31, 2023 deadline. The motion, made by Commissioner Kent Woods and seconded by Commissioner Mike Chambers, passed unanimously.

Mayor Larry Waters presented the revised GMP after consulting with Johnson & Galyon, the project architect, and the county project team. Waters and Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter said additional project costs — including furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), architecture fees and technology — bring the total currently estimated project price to $34,474,540.47. Year-to-date project expenses were reported as $865,761.97, leaving a remaining estimated balance of $33,608,778.50.

Director of Facilities Jason Strickland estimated construction would start in late June or the first week of July. The committee was told that accepting the GMP and allowing the mayor to execute the contract is intended to meet the vendor deadline and keep the project schedule on track.

The committee scheduled a called Budget Committee meeting for June 13 and members will receive the proposed FY2024 budget in advance. The committee did not vote on funding sources for the courts project during the May 25 meeting; no funding decision beyond the GMP acceptance was recorded.

The committee adjourned at 1:19 p.m.