Commissioners authorize RFP for Isabella County administration building remodel despite public calls to pause

The Isabella County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 4 to authorize the county administrator to prepare and issue a Request for Proposal for Design–Bid–Build professional services for an administration building remodel in Mt. Pleasant.

The action, moved by Commissioner Jerry Jaloszynski and seconded by Commissioner James Moreno, carried with Commissioners Tobin Hope, James Moreno, Frank Engler, Jerry Jaloszynski and Steve Weber voting yea. Administrator/Controller Brian Smith emphasized the RFP would not bind the county to accept any bids.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the county needs to consolidate staff and return employees to a single facility while evaluating costs. Commissioner Jaloszynski said prior committee work showed the county cannot afford a brand-new facility and must work within the current footprint: “We have to do it within the city since this is the county seat and there are no other options but to rebuild in the current footprint,” he said. Commissioner Moreno added that continuing to delay increases stress and leasing costs for staff.

Public commenters urged caution. Resident Bree Moeggenberg told the board that ‘‘the MSU Extension is not a mandatory office and should not be funded at this time in the renovation of the administration building’’ and asked that the FOIA appeal for Greg Schmidt be reversed. Debra Gray-Franke said the board needs to rebuild public trust and suggested tabling the agenda item, noting that ‘‘a million dollars has already been spent on the abatement of the building.’’

Contracting and cost context: Commissioners referenced previous cost estimates. Commissioner Hope noted a Spence Brothers estimate for a new build of about $444 per square foot versus roughly $251 per square foot to refurbish the existing structure. During public comment, Aaron Pestel cautioned that how the RFP is written — and whether contractors can inspect the building — will affect bids; he also raised the possibility that using a loan could trigger prevailing wage requirements and cited sample staffing line items from prior proposals.

What happens next: The administrator will draft and release the RFP to solicit bids. The board’s authorization does not commit the county to a contractor or to a specific project cost; any contract award would return to the board for approval.