State drags feet, costs county $24,305
LISA HOBBS - News Editor
Warren County Sanitation Department received a $450,000 grant to construct two buildings at its main office to be used for Waste Reduction and Recycling. The county’s grant match was $45,000.
During Monday’s joint meeting of the county’s Budget and Finance Committee and Financial Management Committee, commissioners were informed that Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has not signed off on the project and that delay has cost the county an additional $24,305.
“This is a grant contract for the sanitation department,” said Finance Department Director Justin Cotten. “We’ve been having to deal with the state. We awarded the bid back in March or April. When was it? May? It’s been a little while since we awarded it. We opened the bids on June 21. It had a 60-day price hold on it. Well, 60 days have come and gone. That was this past Sunday. We haven’t been able to get started because the state hasn’t released the procurements for this grant.”
Tri-State Development & Construction Company was awarded the contract with a bid of $240,695. Two buildings: one at $167,820 and the second at $72,875. In a written correspondence, the company explained that the price quoted was good for 60 days and must now be increased due to the delay.
“Our bid was priced at summer construction with completion within four months of award. As the award date moves, the work – including all concrete slabs and footing – moves toward cold-weather conditions requiring protective measures, and material pricing (steel and metal in particular) remains volatile.”
Provided were the following time frames and quotes: Monday, Aug. 24 through Sept. 15, $265,000, and Nov. 1 through Dec. 1, $278,000.
“Do we pay for this change in the delay,” said Commissioner Christy Ross.
Cotten replied, “We do.”
“How is that fair,” Ross questioned.
According to Sanitation Department Director Josh Roberts, who was sworn in as Warren County Highway Department director after this meeting, the fault lies with the state.
“This hold up is not because of the sanitation department,” he stated. “This hold up is from the state. We cannot proceed without a procurement letter stating that I can call the contractor and start. If we start before they do that, they’ll pull every dime of that grant.”
Commissioner Carl D. Bouldin stated, “It’s a hold up from them that could cost us $55,000?”
“Yes,” stated Cotten.
The amended grant contract, due to the price increase, must also be approved by TDEC.
“We’ve been calling the main people saying, ‘You’re costing us money every day. Get the commissioner to sign the amended grant contract. Our county executive is ready to sign immediately, if you can get me the procurement.’ Then, we can start this work,” stated Roberts.
“This just doesn’t seem right,” stated Ross.
Bouldin stated, “Their bid was still cheaper than the next highest bidder, but this is still coming out of pocket.”
Financial Management Committee members unanimously approved a project change order of $40,000, while Budget and Finance Committee members unanimously approved an amendment to the budget to put the $40,000 in place.
Absent from the meeting was Warren County Road Superintendent Levie Glenn, who spent his final day at a retirement reception in his honor at the Highway Department.
The changes made in committee require full court approval.