New sheriff’s office faces final hurdle before construction begins

June 25--Although the board unanimously approved the bid contract with Barnhill Contracting Co., commissioners want an answer to an additional $60,000 in fixed fees the final contract included that weren't in the original request for proposal. Commissioner Steve Jarvis discovered the difference.

The board agreed it will discuss the discrepancy with the project's facilities committee and could address the issue at its informational meeting July 17.

"I don't find the ($60,000) reflected (in the final contract)," Jarvis said. "It may be that they've got an additional number that they've put in there, or two or three additional numbers. But without a breakdown, it doesn't add up."

Jarvis also said if Barnhill Contracting Co., the primary contractor hired by the county to complete the project, cannot explain the $60,000 overage, the amount must be removed in order for the project to move forward.

"You have to understand that this has been an extremely lengthy process," Jarvis said.

Once the board reconvenes July 17, Jarvis is hoping the overage is explained and that construction begins later that month or in August.

Dan Pruitt, senior project manager at Barnhill Contracting Co., addressed the board about the bidding process for the project. Pruitt also estimated that if construction begins later this summer, it should be completed by the end of October 2015. The new center will be located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 East and County School Road.

Since the board put the project out to bid by a vote on 5-1 May 2, Pruitt said he and project superintendent Ken Cass reviewed the plans for the project with Davidson County Sheriff David Grice and his staff.

"Grice and his group reviewed the drawings and basically signed off on the plans," Pruitt said. "We understand that there may be some adjustments later on, but for the most part that is where we stand."

Pruitt also said the project's building permit has been submitted and is under review by the N.C. Department of Insurance. Permits have also been submitted to the state's department of transportation and the department of environmental and natural resources.

In terms of putting the project out to bid, Pruitt said he and Cass tried to hire contractors from the Davidson County area. Pruitt also said that of the $4 million put out to bid, $2 million was bid to local companies and participants.

Some of the local companies that have been awarded a bid on the project include Hedrick Grading and Paving and Hanes Paving. Contractors were hired on a lowest bid basis.

"I wish there was more local participants," Pruitt said. "There will be a substantial economic impact to this area once constructions starts on this project because these contractors will be coming to this area. I consider this a state-of-the-art project, and we want to work with you."

David Exum can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at dave.exum@the-dispatch.com. Follow David on Twitter: @LexDisptachExum

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