Commissioners refine road-shop plans and aim to advertise bid package in January

Commissioners received a presentation on proposed plans and estimated engineering costs for a county road-shop building (options discussed included 40x60 and 50x60). The board discussed a not-to-exceed engineering budget (presenter suggested $7,500 to update plans and prepare bid documents) and trade-offs between a larger 50x60 building and a smaller 40x60 option.

The presenter recommended local contractor outreach and adhering to statutory minimum advertising (two legal notices) while also promoting the bid through plan exchanges. Commissioners discussed typical square-foot construction costs and historical contract prices, noting that bids could vary widely depending on market conditions and contractor availability. They agreed to finalize plan edits and place the project on the Jan. 15 agenda, with the goal of issuing a bid package in January and completing construction by September if bids are favorable.

Commissioners urged staff to ensure the bid package attracts local contractors to keep costs competitive and to document procurement outreach; they also discussed removing windows and refining door locations in revised drawings. The board did not vote on construction awards at the meeting but agreed next steps and schedule.