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Isabella County approves Progressive Companies’ enhanced services for administration building renovation
Summary
The Isabella County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an Enhanced Services Proposal from Progressive Companies to renovate the county administration building, pending legal review. Public commenters urged use of local contractors and clearer public outreach on scope and costs.
The Isabella County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 approved an Enhanced Services Proposal from Progressive Companies to renovate the Isabella County Administration Building, authorizing the board chair to sign the agreement pending legal review.
The vote followed a motion from Commissioner Jerry Jaloszynski, seconded by Commissioner Steve Swaney, and was unanimous. Administrator/Controller Brian Smith told commissioners the decision followed a design-bid process that led the board to the enhanced-services approach.
The approval drew public comment before the vote. Jeff Tuma said he supported the decision but asked for greater public education about the project’s steps, saying, “I would like to see some forums for the voters to educate them as they go. A step by step on how we got to where we are today and how things will be done each step.” Aaron Pestel urged the board to consider local builders and questioned financing and delivery options, saying, “Please give real consideration to local builders instead of another design build company.” Pat Schafer asked for clarity on how the remodel scope and price were determined.
The transcript records a referenced comparison to a prior estimate: speakers noted an earlier Spicer design-bid estimate commonly described as about $300,000 and described the current enhanced-services figure as about $400,000; the board approved the Progressive Companies proposal notwithstanding those concerns. The board’s approval is explicitly pending legal approval, according to the motion language.
County Clerk Minde B. Lux spoke after the vote with practical safety concerns for the rebuild, asking for “2 exit doors for the offices and windows that employees can escape out of in case of a fire,” and asked that elected officials have additional time to meet with the architect.
The board did not record any amendments to the Progressive Companies proposal on the floor; the motion as recorded authorizes signature pending review by county legal counsel. Next procedural steps recorded in the meeting are legal review and execution of the contract authority by the board chair.
