Budget Committee Sends Back School Board Request
The renovation and additions to White Pine School were the largest item of conversation and action as the Jefferson County Budget Committee met for the regular November session on Monday, November 14, 2016 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Jefferson County Director of Schools Dr. Charles Edmonds carried a request from the Jefferson County School Board for assistance in meeting a $755,000 budget deficit for the White Pine project. Edmonds stated that the base bid for the project came in at around $2.6 million dollars, which is over the $2 million dollars that was budgeted for the project. Several weeks ago, before bids numbers were available, the School Board approved earmarking an additional $800,000 to complete the alternates on the project, for a total cost of $2.8 million dollars. Of that money, the County Commission dedicated $1 million dollars to the project. According to Director Edmonds, the total cost including the alternates will be in the neighborhood of $3.5 million dollars and that does not include installation of the roof, which would be the responsibility of the Department of Education Maintenance Department.
Budget Committee Members questioned the 30% increase in price and if the School Board could exercise other options regarding architectural firms. Several Budget Committee Members expressed their disappointment in the cost of the current plan which appears to be more costly than anticipated. Budget Committee Vice Chairman McGraw stated that he had concerns regarding further County contribution to the project, citing a dwindling fund balance. Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett briefly stepped down from the Chair position to comment that he would rather assist the School Board in contracting with a different architect firm that could come in on budget.
Director of Jefferson County Schools Business Affairs and Maintenance, Michael Phagan, attributed some of the increase in cost to low bid participation. He concurred with Jefferson County Finance Director Potts that 4 of the 5 architect firms interviewed came back within budget for 8 classrooms, kitchen and band room renovations and additions. Upon a Motion from Carmichael and 2nd by Tim Seals, the Budget Committee approved sending the request back to the School Board to see if the total renovation and addition package can come in within budget, with the caveat that they return as soon as possible but not outside of 30 days.
In other business, the Committee approved several budget amendments, most in the nature of general housekeeping. They also discussed the Department of Education Building located next to the Historic Courthouse. Director Potts informed the Committee that the RFP went out last week for a Construction Manager and bids will be opened on November 23, 2016.
