Greene County Legislature approves Community Services Building bids after debate over all‑electric requirement

The Greene County Legislature on a motion by Legislator Davis approved Resolution 174‑26 to award bids and authorize contracts for the Greene County Community Services Building construction project. The motion was seconded by Legislators Okonnell and TR and carried.

Members pressed staff on why the electrical bid was substantially higher than the mechanical bid and whether the project would be built as an all‑electric facility. Committee discussion said the state building‑code office is requiring all‑electric construction for certain projects under an upcoming code change, while the county has sought clarity through the senator’s office and remains in negotiation with state officials.

Staff described an alternate bid for a small, non‑roof solar array that would be configured as an independent field; the lowest alternate to install that array quoted roughly $15,000 while the second‑low alternate was about $43,000. Staff characterized the array as a modest component of the overall project and said it would supply an estimated 2–3% of the building’s electrical needs.

Legislators noted the solar alternate adds cost but may be required if the state code position is confirmed. The county-level discussion emphasized that the project design has proceeded over the prior 18 months and that final compliance requirements could still change depending on the state building‑code office’s ruling.

The resolution as adopted delegates contract award and moves the project forward; the legislature left room for changes if state direction shifts and asked staff to follow up with the senator’s office and the state code authority for confirmation.