The architecture and design firm, Shive-Hattery, had been tasked with identifying ways to cut costs on the Carroll County jail project, which saw all bids coming in over the estimated $8.95 million referendum approved by voters last year. At Tuesday’s meeting, Institutional Team Leader, Mike Lewis, reported to the supervisors on areas they believed significant savings could be realized. It was determined that the cost of retrofitting for additional cell space was cost prohibitive and the plans were left at 42 beds. Equipment and fixtures from the kitchen area could be cut out, making it a service kitchen. This would save money, and leaving stub-ins would allow for expansion in the future. Lewis suggested eliminating other equipment and fixtures, including spare parts and extra computer stations. Another high-ticket item was also identified.
That shaft would remain in the plans, again for future fitting. Shive-Hattery then recommended moving the generator outside among many other minor changes. The total amount initially identified for savings is around $550,000, but bidding regulations required the supervisors to award a bid in order to move forward with negotiating cost-saving changes with the contractor. The supervisors did award that contract to Badding Construction Company, who was the lowest bidder at $10.93 million. This passed on a vote of four in favor, and one, Dean Schettler, against.
Schettler told supervisors that he had talked with Chair, Neil Bock at the onset, saying another architect had told him this could not be built for that price and he was still opposed to the location, even after the voters of Carroll County passed the referendum. He said the only thing he has heard to validate the current site is concerns for the safety of law enforcement personnel and the general public. However, he does not agree that there are any cost savings in that regard either.
He also said he won’t agree to selling the county farm because he believes the value would be decreased if the money went toward the jail. Bock disagreed.
Bock responded the other location was considered, maybe not as equally as Schettler wanted, but the voters approved the $8.95 million for a jail at the courthouse. If it was put off again, the problems and costs are multiplied, he said. The most important problems they are solving are the safety ones. Bock and Gene Meiners agreed their job was to represent the public. Bock heard some resistance, but he says, by and large, people want them to move forward. Meiners said he has heard the same thing.
The supervisors then also voted and approved a notice to proceed on a vote of four in favor and one against. This gives the county, Shive-Hattery and Badding Construction permission to commence with the project, which could start as early as Sept. 23. The anticipated timeframe to completion is 18 to 21 months. Full audio of this conversation can be found below. Two Carroll residents also spoke out at the conclusion of this meeting and Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more details on that in upcoming newscasts.
Full audio of bid award and notice to proceed, Tuesday, 9-10-19
