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Board tables decision on procurement method for Fire Station 2 until budget is adopted
Summary
After debate about sequencing of capital projects, the New Kent County Board of Supervisors voted to table a resolution to use construction management at‑risk for Fire Station 2 and defer the procurement decision until after the FY27 budget is adopted and staff receive clearer direction on capital priorities.
The New Kent County Board of Supervisors voted May 11 to table a resolution that would have authorized use of the construction management at‑risk procurement method for Fire Station 2 until after the county adopts its FY27 budget.
County staff had proposed resolution R‑20‑26 to use the construction management at‑risk approach, saying it helps the county retain the architect to work with the builder and better manage a complex facility with living quarters and secure pharmacy space. "One of the things I like about this process is that the architect works for us as opposed to a design‑build process," Mr. Hathaway said in the presentation.
Board members questioned whether moving forward with procurement now would short‑circuit broader priorities for county capital spending. Several members said the board had not given staff clear direction about which capital projects should take precedence. "I really think we need to give staff some type of directions," one supervisor said, urging the board to defer the matter to a work session so members could better weigh the station against other projects including the courthouse and a proposed school.
A motion to table the procurement decision until after the budget is adopted (and to bring it to the next work session) carried on a roll call vote. The effect is that staff will not proceed with the procurement documents for a construction management at‑risk contract for Fire Station 2 until the board completes budget actions and provides clearer direction.
The discussion also flagged timing and funding questions: the county has budgeted land purchase and design for station projects, but construction timing depends on budget adoption and borrowing decisions. Mr. Hathaway told the board that construction for Station 2 is proposed in FY27 but acknowledged the schedule could shift.
Next steps: the issue is expected to return to the board after the FY27 budget is adopted and staff receive explicit direction on capital project sequencing.
