Commissioners vote to rebid courthouse security entrance after bids exceed estimates

Cameron County commissioners voted to rebid the planned security‑entrance upgrade at the county courthouse after bids and contractor cost estimates exceeded the county’s budget by a large margin.

The board reviewed the bid breakdown and project estimates; commissioners were told the original scope had an estimated bid ‘for $85,000ish,’ one submitted bid came in near $150,000, a separate mechanical estimate for the wheelchair lift was cited at about $400,000, and the architect’s cost estimate reached approximately $450,000. A presenter summarized the gap by saying the project was “88.9% over budget.”

The chair said the county would rebid the project and document the procurement steps and outreach so the record shows due diligence in attempting to meet federal courthouse safety recommendations if no acceptable bids are received. Commissioners emphasized rebidding to seek additional competing bids after the single high response.

The decision follows prior discussion with the architect, an internal safety committee recommendation and the consideration that the project aligns with federal courthouse safety protocols. Staff will reissue the request for proposals with revised scopes and cost‑control breakouts.

The board’s action: commissioners approved rebidding the project and instructed staff to record the county’s efforts to comply with federal safety requirements and to pursue additional bids. The meeting did not present a firm new timetable for rebid issuance; staff said they would return with procurement details and any updated bid reports.