The Vance County Board of Commissioners awarded a bid of $1,679,100 to Blue Ridge Enterprises during Monday’s regular meeting.
The award was made after members voted unanimously to approve an application to the North Carolina Local Government Commission for acceptance of the financing agreement to pay for the facility. That vote was taken after a public hearing at which no members of the public spoke. (No members of the public other than media were present.)
Surapon Sujjavanich, the architect charged with the renovation project, told members that he had negotiated with Blue Ridge Enterprises, the lowest bidder, and cut costs by $113,090. He assured members that the cost cuts did not change the work, but rather brand names of some of the materials was changed.
Sujjavanich urged members to approve the contract bid award, reminded them that the work was “commanded by the state” and that they have no choice.
Before the vote, the architect outlined some energy reduction measures being taken during the refurbishment. At a cost of $375,000 more than standard lighting and heating and cooling, Sujjavanich estimated it would take seven years to save the extra expense back.
When asked if stimulus money could be obtained for the project, County Finance Officer Stephen Stanton told members that he is working on it.
Sheriff Peter White was present to assure council members that he approved of the plan.
The cost of the jail renovations is 1.2 cents on the county tax rate, the amount that would be levied were financing arrangements to fail.