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Commissioners authorize facilities committee to negotiate architect fees for courthouse annex
Summary
Callahan County commissioners authorized the facilities committee to proceed with fee discussions with a selected architect for a courthouse annex after evaluating two firms; the committee noted contrasting approaches and presented preliminary fee estimates and timeframes.
Callahan County commissioners on Jan. 12 authorized the facilities committee to enter fee negotiations with an architect for the county courthouse annex project after reviewing two firms that responded to a request for proposals.
A facilities committee member summarized outreach to five firms and said two submitted proposals and visited the site: Zapata Architects (Ramiro Zapata, San Antonio) and Randall Scott Architects (Plano). The committee member described Zapata as prepared to reuse existing design documents and able to begin work sooner; Randall Scott, the committee member said, proposed a longer design development process (about three to six months) and more extensive design work.
Committee materials, as described in the meeting, showed differing fee approaches. The facilities representative noted Zapata "will be between 24% of construction cost," while Randall Scott's proposal was presented to the court as a higher percentage. The committee also provided an early estimate for design and construction‑document services of "a little under $400,000 up to $500,000," phrased by the committee member as a preliminary range.
During discussion, commissioners said timing and cost are both important priorities. "The ball's in your court," the facilities committee member told the court, urging the committee to begin discussions with the firm selected by the commissioners.
By motion, the court authorized the facilities committee to proceed with fee discussions with the selected architect and directed the committee to return with recommended contract terms for commissioner approval. The committee said it would approach the firm chosen by the court first and then consult the alternate if needed.
Next steps: the facilities committee will negotiate fees and, if needed, bring contract terms back to the commissioners for final approval. The committee presented the firms and preliminary figures during the meeting; commissioners did not finalize the selection or sign a contract that day.
