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Benicia council approves City Hall tenant-improvement contract despite concerns about low bid and furniture costs
Summary
Council approved a construction contract to remodel City Hall basement for permit services after debate over a responsive low bid of $189,000, additional line items that bring total project cost to about $327,000, and roughly $64,000 budgeted for new furniture.
Deputy Public Works Director Neil Leary explained staff’s recommendation to award the City Hall tenant‑improvement contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Construction West, and walked council through bid comparisons and the project’s additional line items. Leary said the responsive low bid was complete and passed staff’s bid review, noting the city is legally required to award to the lowest responsive bidder under public contract rules.
Councilmembers and members of the public pressed staff about the $189,000 bid versus other higher bids, the potential for change orders, and a $64,000 furniture line item. Neil Leary said the project remodels existing basement space to create cubicle-style workstations and permit meeting rooms and that staff will reuse furniture where possible. After extended debate and public comment, council approved the contract and related budget amendment on a roll-call vote.
