Lincoln County commissioners this week took no action regarding ARPA funded projects, the jail remodeling and expansion and a new building for the OSU Extension Center, after bids came in much higher than anticipated.
Commissioners also voted to approve the county budget.
On the two projects, commissioners discussed bids that were opened recently on both of them and indicated during Monday’s meeting they will need a special meeting to decide what their course of action will be.
Commissioners are up against an approaching deadline of Dec. 31, 2024 in which any ARPA funds they plan to use must be encumbered by that date.
The lowest base bid for the OSU Extension Building came in more than a half million dollars over the estimate.
The lowest base bid came in at $100 per square foot higher than was estimated, it was pointed out.
The direct construction costs of the lowest base bid for the jail project was more than $6.1 million and when professional services are added the total was over $7 million.
That’s around $3 million more than the estimated $4.1 million in ARPA funds that were set aside for the project.
Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty said there will be a meeting in the near future with BKL, the engineer, and Flintco, the project manager, to try and figure out what can be done.
“We do have to do the remodel because of those sewer lines that have to be replaced,” Dougherty said.
The county budget totals more than $15 million, but as county officials explain that includes savings as well.
District 3 Commission Lee Doolen, who is also chairman of the commission, emphasized, “We won’t spend all of that.”
Commissioners approved a resolution accepting a $700 donation from the Lincoln County Citizen Alliance for postage to mail out a Wind Turbine public notice.
They adopted a resolution accepting a donation for Job Fair supplies in the County Clerk’s Office.
They took no action on approving WSB Consultant Services for grant writing for the county.
They voted to approve the amended financial statement for the Treasurer’s Office.
In other business, commissioners: Approved an engagement letter with Ralph Osborn for Educational Facilities Authority audit.
Approved a REAP contract closeout for the Southwest Fire Department.
Authorized a REAP grant application for the Arlington Fire Department.
Approved a request to the County Road Machinery and Equipment Revolving Fund Program.
Approved a lease purchase extension agreement for District 3.
Adopted a donation resolution for Neighborhood Watch signs in District 3.
Approved a Declaration of Surplus for the Safety Department, District 2, Treasurer and District 3.
Adopted a resolution for disposing of Equipment for the Safety Department, District 2, Treasurer’s Office and Emergency Management.
Approved an ODOT form regarding the Ken- drick Municipal Authority waterline relocation in District 2.
Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and District 3.
Approved settlement disbursements for TEVA LPS Opioid and ALGN LPS Opioid Qualified Settlement Fund.
Adopted a resolution appointing requesting/receiving/ inventory officers for the District Attorney’s Office.
Approved indigent cremation.
Approved a deed from AR Development and determined which account the filing fee should be paid from.