County authorizes geotechnical work and CM-at-risk pre-construction contracts for two school projects

Macon County commissioners on March 25 authorized geotechnical exploration and pre-construction contracts tied to planned renovations and additions at Highlands School and Franklin High School.

County Manager Derek Roland presented a proposal from Kessel Engineering Group to perform supplemental geotechnical exploration for the Highlands School project, including $6,850 for soil boring and $1,400 to pre-locate utilities and an underground fuel tank. Roland requested a $10,000 budget amendment from fund balance to cover the work; after discussion, the board authorized the contract and the budget amendment on a 4–1 vote, with Commissioner Higdon opposed.

The board also approved a Construction Manager (CM) at Risk pre-construction contract with James R. Vannoy and Sons Construction for the Highlands School project for $28,528, with a target completion date of Sept. 1, 2024. The board approved a budget amendment of $21,396 from fund balance for the contract and directed that $7,132 come from the Repair and Renovation Fund. That motion passed unanimously.

For the Franklin High School and athletic complex project, the board authorized a CM at Risk pre-construction agreement with Carroll Daniel Construction for $275,000 to develop a guaranteed maximum price. Roland said the county’s finance model for the project has been based on $130 million and that staff expects a guaranteed maximum price to be ready in August so the county can appear before the Local Government Commission in September and begin construction in October 2024. The board voted unanimously to authorize the agreement and the associated budget amendment.

Next steps: execute the Kessel geotechnical contract, finalize pre-construction work with both CMs, and prepare budgetary items and LGC materials for the Franklin High School project.