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Spencer County approves two‑year QK4 engineering contract after split vote
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Summary
The fiscal court accepted an updated engineering on‑call agreement with QK4 (hourly, not to exceed $20,000 over two years). The motion passed 4–2; two members voiced concern about sole‑source language and rates.
Spencer County Fiscal Court voted Aug. 18 to renew and update an on‑call engineering agreement with QK4, a consulting engineering firm, authorizing hourly services billed to a not‑to‑exceed limit of $20,000 over the next two years.
Judge Executive Scott Travis said the county has an established working relationship with QK4 and moved to accept the firm's fee proposal. During discussion, some members urged soliciting prices from other firms; others said QK4 provided fast, effective service in prior incidents. The proposal lists hourly classifications (Professional Engineer $170; Construction Inspector $120; Engineer in Training $110; Construction Intern $85). The court voted to accept the proposal on a motion by Judge Travis, seconded by Esq. Stump; recorded ayes were Esqs. Pharris, Eldridge, Judge Travis and Esq. Travis; Esqs. Stump and Cotton recorded nays. The motion passed.
County Attorney noted the existing agreement language specified QK4 as the county’s sole engineering company. Some members expressed discomfort at the sole‑source wording and the hourly rates for basic field tasks. Supporters said QK4’s responsiveness reduced staff time on emergency evaluations and planning tasks.
Outcome and next steps: the agreement extends for two years or until the NTE limit is reached; staff were asked to track expenditures against the $20,000 cap and to consider soliciting comparative proposals in the future.