JP Pullen requests enforcement letter after Berryman Roofing deviates from bid

Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 Judge Leslie Pullen told the Commissioners Court July 6 that Berryman Roofing had not installed four vents and had omitted a specified underlayment required by the signed contract for the JP's building. Pullen said the manufacturer called the omission a typo, but she argued the contract must be followed and urged the court to require fulfillment.

"A contract is a contract is a contract," Judge Leslie Pullen said, describing her view that changes requested after the bid award were improper. Pullen also said she had been the only county representative who observed the roof installation and expressed concern that proposed changes would leave the building without required ventilation and could jeopardize security lighting and warranties.

Commissioners noted the county should withhold payment until the contract issues were resolved and agreed the county judge should send a letter to Berryman Roofing instructing the contractor to uphold the contract as written. The court also asked County staff (including the county representative Doria) to appear at a future meeting to explain any decisions made during the roofing process and to clarify whether the county's project representative had agreed to revisions.

The motion directing the county judge to generate a contract-enforcement letter passed unanimously when called. The court recorded that no payment would be made until the issue is resolved and noted staff follow-up would be scheduled.