Riverbend fishing pier bid received; commission discussed several capital projects

County staff told commissioners they ran a pre-bid and received one bid for the Riverbend Park fishing pier project: Wahoo Docks submitted $90,582.11 for an 80-by-10-foot fixed dock, county manager Thomas Weaver said at the Sept. 22 work session. The manager said permitting from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is required before award, and staff intends to seek commission authorization to award pending receipt of permits.

The work session also considered related capital maintenance and improvement projects. The manager said a storage-building project at 215 McNaughton St. has become more complex, prompting the county to act as its own general contractor for slab, building, insulation and electrical work; staff plans to bring a spending authorization to the commission when quotes are finalized. An Old City Hall Welcome Center renovation was put out to bid with one response near $96,000 for roof, flashing, fascia and interior repairs; staff recommended roofing and weatherproofing work soon to avoid further damage. Road work discussed included putting the Liberty Hill and Riverbend road spots out to bid for paving, and awaiting Oxford’s preconstruction call for Friendship Road.

Why it matters: These projects affect public recreation amenities, county facility condition and road safety. The Riverbend dock would add a permanent fishing pier to a public park, but federal permitting and contracting processes must be complete before work begins.

Procedure and next steps: The commission previously voted on Sept. 2 to put the Riverbend project out to bid; the Sept. 22 work session recorded a single bid and staff’s intention to request award authorization after Corps permitting. Staff will return to the commission with finalized cost quotes and formal award recommendations for the storage building and Old City Hall renovation.