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Henderson County approves $711,000 award to renovate elections office, citing security and schedule
Summary
The commissioners unanimously awarded a base-bid contract of $711,000 and a 90-day schedule to Key General Contracting to convert 301 East Larkin into the county elections office; officials emphasized security, transparency, and the need to meet future election requirements.
Henderson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to award the contract to renovate retail space at 301 East Larkin Street into the county elections office to Key General Contracting LLC for a base amount of $711,000 and a proposed 90-day contract period.
The county’s architect reported a competitive sealed proposal process with four bids and scoring that prioritized price, schedule, past county experience, insurance, and ability to meet the county’s timeline. The scoring committee recommended Key General Contracting as the top-ranked proposer; commissioners noted the firm submitted the lowest overall bid and the shortest completion time.
Why it matters: County elections officials said the renovation will provide a secure, centralized location for elections operations with space for video surveillance and improved transparency ahead of upcoming election cycles.
Staff presentation and specifications The architect told the court an optional pre-bid walkthrough was held and that the bidding process followed advertised scoring criteria. Committee members said they reviewed detailed scoring matrices and lessons learned from prior county remodels influenced specifications — particularly roofing, HVAC and electrical overhauls. The architect cited $176 per square foot as the renovation estimate based on the scope (full electrical and mechanical upgrades).
Elections office perspective Miss Lucky, who has been involved in the project since its inception and represents the elections office, said the design emphasizes increased transparency and security, including provisions for video surveillance and other measures to support future elections. “We need to have a secure location that we can have the video surveillance ... to the public,” she said, adding the plans account for likely future requirements and population growth near the 100,000 threshold.
The vote Commissioner McCam moved to award the base bid with a $711,000 limit and Commissioner Spivey seconded. The court voted unanimously to approve the award and directed staff to proceed with contract execution and continued cost-saving conversations during construction.
Clarifying details - Contract base bid: $711,000 (awarded to Key General Contracting LLC). - Proposed contract period: 90 days (shortest completion time among bidders). - Renovation scope: full electrical and mechanical overhaul; roof and HVAC upgrades emphasized; estimated at about $176/sq ft as discussed in committee review.
The court approved the award and allowed staff to pursue deduct alternates and contract negotiations to achieve cost savings during construction.
