Rowan County authorizes USDA lease proposal submission, waives RFQ and approves architect contract

Rowan County commissioners on July 26 authorized the county manager to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for space at the Rowan Community Center and approved related contract authority.

County staff described three build-out options for the USDA proposal, citing the need for secured, fenced parking and the project's tight schedule: staff said a draft submission is due the following Monday. The board moved to: (1) authorize the county manager or designee to submit a lease proposal for the USDA at the Rowan Community Center; (2) waive RFQ requirements pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-64.32 and county policy; and (3) authorize the county manager to execute a contract with WM2a architects for services not to exceed $34,500. The motions were seconded and approved by voice vote.

County staff told the board the architect is preparing floor plans and that staff will return more detailed drawings; staff also described three site/space options including using vacant offices and potentially relocating an existing community tenant before construction. The chair said staff would pursue the option that best fit the USDA requirements and continue negotiations; if the county's proposal is accepted the chairman is authorized to sign the lease agreement.

The board recorded the voice approval and did not provide a roll-call tally in the public minutes. The authorization allows staff to complete and submit a draft proposal under the stated schedule and to move forward with the contracted architectural work if further approvals and funding align.