The Carroll County Board of Supervisors officially accepted the lowest bid of $10.93 million from Badding Construction during their meeting Tuesday morning. The motion was approved on a vote of four in favor and one, Dean Schettler, against. This allows architecture and design firm, Shive-Hattery, Badding Construction and the county to move ahead with the value-engineering process and approve change orders that will lower the project cost initially by an estimated $550,000. They can also continue to negotiate on other items. The supervisors then approved a notice to proceed by the same margin. This directive sets things in motion. Construction could begin as early as Sept. 23 with an anticipated 18 to 21 month timeframe for completion. Schettler was the only supervisor to voice his opposition to these measures, stating he has been against the location at the courthouse from the start. He called the situation regrettable and believes another site should be considered. Schettler is also adamantly against selling the county farm, indicating it is not a fair trade of an asset for an asset and any sale of that property should be used for tax relief. Supervisors Neil Bock and Gene Meiners responded, saying they are there to represent all of Carroll County, not special interest groups, friends or individuals. Two other individuals addressed the supervisors at the close of Tuesday’s meeting and Carroll Broadcasting will bring you the full story and audio in upcoming broadcasts.
