Armstrong’s contract approvedd by committee
|
Under Armstrong’s plan, the contract provides for renovation and expansion of the existing jail facility to provide a 300-bed jail, sheriff’s offices and support areas. Commissioners said the $6 million figure includes Armstrong’s 5 percent fee, or $300,000.
The 5 percent fee is one reason commissioners fell out of favor with former architect Mark Rodgers. Commissioners claimed 5 percent was way too much to pay Rodgers, but apparently don’t feel that way about Armstrong.
Committee members also gave formal approval to begin core drillings on five acres located adjacent to the present jail. The core drillings are designed to offer insight as to whether the land would be suitable for future jail expansion.
Cox said if the land is not suitable, the jail would have to be renovated and expanded at its existing site but noted commissioners are waiting for the core drilling results, which Armstrong expects by the end of the month, before beginning negotiations with the property owners.
The land in question was once estimated at $95,000 an acre, but Cox said that figure is not accurate anymore.
“That’s what the initial price was when we were talking last year, but I’ve contacted the owners of the property and they said the price is very negotiable at this point,” he said.
Before approving the contract, which County Executive Carol Hamblen signed Monday, members of the committee attached a proposed schedule to it. Armstrong indicated there was no problem with attaching the schedule and making it a part of the contract. Cox said payments to the architect would be based upon compliance with the schedule.
“He would be looking at his payment based upon completing these tasks. If he gets behind or doesn’t meet these deadlines, then his payment is going to be delayed,” Cox said.
According to the schedule provided by Armstrong, the new facility could be ready by late 2003.
A Budget and Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for next week to look at issues of possible land acquisition and other preliminary costs, committee Chairman Swanson Bennett added after the meeting. As far as funding the jail, Bennett said he supports a financial plan that extends the length of time of the county’s current indebtedness.
“We will basically be postponing the biggest part of the payment until after the school bonds have all been paid off, which will be 10 years from now, essentially, 2012,” he said.
Cox was positive about the contract and its potential and indicated he believes a new jail by late next year is not out of the question.
“I would be hopeful to say that. I hope we have good luck all the way though,” he added, wary of typical construction delays. “But it seems like we have things organized and we’re on track.”
Members of the full County Commission previously gave their nod of approval to selecting Armstrong as the preferred architect in late January by a 13-11 vote.