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Barry County seeks construction‑manager bids to refine cost for proposed law‑enforcement facility
Summary
Facing consultant estimates in the $38–42 million range, the Barry County Board authorized staff to issue RFPs for construction managers to develop pre‑construction engineering options and determine whether the proposed law‑enforcement facility can be delivered closer to a $30–35 million target.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners on June 23 directed staff to solicit proposals from construction managers to perform pre‑construction engineering and cost‑reduction analysis for a proposed law‑enforcement facility.
The move comes after consultants produced preliminary estimates ranging roughly $38 million to $42 million for a new facility. County leaders said they want more detailed information from construction firms to test whether the project can be re‑scoped or redesigned to meet a lower budget target of roughly $30–35 million.
"We don't like those numbers," the chair told the board when introducing the item, saying the next step is to bring in construction managers to work with consultants on alternatives and more detailed engineering. County administration said the pre‑design work will include interviews with firms experienced in correctional facilities to identify cost‑saving design and construction strategies.
The board agreed to issue RFPs and to schedule public interviews of prospective construction managers. If the selected manager identifies a credible plan to reduce cost while meeting operational needs, the county will consider next steps, including funding options and public engagement.
The board did not commit to a site or a financing plan. County staff said a construction manager contract for pre‑construction services will require a modest investment but is necessary to obtain reliable, competitive estimates and a realistic financing plan.
The county also discussed citizen engagement as a later step. Officials said they will involve the public after the county has a clearer scope and credible cost estimates to present.
