The Daviess County Commissioners took the final official steps to get the Court House Annex project underway. After reviewing and scoring the bids submitted on January 29, the Commissioners awarded the bid the low bidder, Jasper Lumber, for a little over $5.6 million. The award also included the alternate bid to use stone on the entire outside surface of the building. Even after approving the entire stone exterior, the construction cost will be well under initial projections.
In other good news, the Commissioners learned that the expense of the $2.94 million bond issued for the project would be less than expected. The bond issue will be for 15 years at 3% interest. The fact that the County Council has been frugal with the County’s funds will allow the bulk of the project to be paid for with cash on hand rather than through bonding.
The Commissioners also selected Michael Schapker of Evansville to supervise the project. Schapker, who was selected on the basis of his past construction experience, will receive $168,000 for the expected 13 month project.
The Commissioners expect the ground breaking on the Annex to be sometime in early March.
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In other business the Commissioners approved renewals on the County’s property and casualty, cyber security, and workman’s comp insurance. They also agreed to permit the advertisement for bids for security cameras at the jail.