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Madison County planners say courthouse rehab on track for February bid, recommend 10% owner's contingency
Summary
An outside consultant told commissioners their cost opinion shows a competitive bidding climate and recommended including a 10% owner's contingency for the historic courthouse renovation; staff noted Davis-Bacon requirements and a possible 20% match if the county seeks a historic-preservation grant (maximum $350,000).
Pat, the county’s project contact, briefed the commission on progress toward bidding the courthouse rehabilitation and addition. The consultant’s cost opinion indicates a healthy bidding climate — examples cited included a recent Helena job that drew seven bidders — and staff said they are tracking for a Feb. 9 release of bid documents, contingent on final front-end specifications and legal review.
Pat recommended the commission include an owner’s contingency in the project budget, explaining that a 10% contingency is typical for renovation projects (renovation contingencies often range 10–20 percent), while new construction commonly uses a lower percentage. "I always like to see, like, a 10% on renovation," Pat said, noting contingencies cover unforeseen conditions such as discovered foundation work once existing additions are removed.
Commissioners and staff also discussed grant opportunities. Pat said pursuing a historic-preservation grant could require a 20% local match and that the maximum grant award identified by the consultant was $350,000. Staff reminded commissioners that Davis-Bacon prevailing-wage compliance, public-notice scheduling and legal review of front-end specifications must be completed before documents are advertised.
No final procurement decisions were taken at the session; staff said they will circulate the 95%-complete document package to commissioners in the coming weeks, coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office for any required sign-off, and prepare necessary bid notices and wage-rate documentation prior to advertisement.
