River City Construction has been chosen as the general contractor to make renovations to the Campbell Building, which will house some county offices by next spring.
River City was recommended by a committee of three over Curt Erwin Construction. The Franklin County Board accepted the recommendation on a 6-2 vote with new board member Robert Pierce abstaining. David Rea and Neil Hargis voted in opposition.
Committee member Alan Price said the contractor is expected to submit a firm price on the “design build” project by Jan. 5 with construction commencing immediately thereafter. County officials are hoping the location will be available for occupancy by mid-April.
“It was tough deciding which one to pick,” Price told the Board. “They both said they would do whatever we wanted for under $500,000. We kind of leaned toward River City because of the qualifications they have.”
New board member Robert Pierce had several questions about the project, asking Price what may have tipped the scales in favor of River City.
“Just due to the number of bigger projects they’ve done,” Price responded. He also said officeholders will have input on how their office space is designed.
Committee chairman Danny Melvin said River City was responsible for the construction of the Franklin County Justice Center and juvenile detention center, Big Muddy Correctional Center in Ina and had done work at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center. It was also reported the contractor has been involved with several hospital construction projects.
Once the renovations have been completed, the building will house the Supervisor of Assessments, elections, county board and regional office of education offices – allowing the county to vacate the annex building. The renovations will also include a conference room, according to Chairman Randall Crocker.
“I don’t like the way this whole thing went down,” Rea said. “I think we’ve done an individual an injustice. I like to use local people where I can. I’m not saying they’re not local because they are. But I have to use people that will give service when we have a breakdown. Will these people come after hours if we have a problem?” Rea was alluding to the fact that Erwin has bailed the county out of maintenance issues in the past.
Melvin responded, “This is not a maintenance contract, it’s a construction contract.”
Although county officials have not taken formal action on how to pay for the project, previous discussions have indicated the county will add the amount to a current loan, which will add years to the life of the loan.
During the board’s reorganizational meeting on Monday, Crocker was re-elected chairman. Steve Leek was appointed vice-chairman. Both votes were unanimous.
