By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
April 5, 2001
DECATUR Newton County supervisors are a step closer to building a proposed new jail in the Decatur Industrial Park on Highway 15.
Three construction manager bids arrived earlier this week and were taken under advisement.
White Construction submitted a proposal for 4 percent with a guaranteed price on the construction contract of no more than $183,372. Yates Construction submitted a proposal for 4 3/4 percent on a construction contract and guaranteed a price of no more than $198,200. Carothers Construction bid $225,000 for an overall contract.
Smith said the contract will be considered a professional fee, so the board does not have to accept the low bid. They could decide to accept a bid and then try to negotiate for a lower price.
The construction manager will take the place of a general contractor. Smith said the manager will coordinate with the architects in preplanning the jail and should know by the architects' drawings whether it can be built within budget.
The construction manager would also work with architects to subcontract work on the jail in phases such as brick and mortar, electrical work, plumbing, constructing fences, paving and landscaping. Smith said county employees will assist as needed.
The proposed 66-bed facility will house a full kitchen, women's and lock-down cells. Smith said the board will make a decision on the submitted proposals and reissuing bonds to pay for the facility as soon as possible. Two months ago, they rescinded a $2 million bond issued last year for the jail's construction.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.