After a months-long hiatus, the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office is moving forward with its building project.
Previously, the sheriff's office learned that many technical details needed for construction of its new facility -- such as parking lot fill, overhangs and even the type of concrete needed for its foundation -- were omitted from the project specification sheet presented to contractors at the June 8 pre-bid meeting. The sheriff's office created the document using basic specifications.
Since pressing pause following the June meeting, the sheriff's office partnered with The Architects Alliance, of Jefferson City, to complete the design phase. Contractors reconvened Sept. 27 for another pre-bid meeting to learn about changes and ask the design team question. It was a mandatory meeting for general contractors wishing to submit bids on the project.
Abigail Steck, an architect at The Architects Alliance, said the firm expanded the list of metal building suppliers contractors can use. She said an addendum will feature a 30-cubic-yard unsatisfactory soil allowance, up to $10,000 contingency allowance, $5,000 testing and inspection allowance, and an allowance of up to 15 bad weather days.
Sheriff Tony Wheatley said he's excited for the project to finally move forward. Bids are due by 2 p.m. Oct. 12, when they will be unsealed. Commissioner Clint Hoellering said a contractor will be chosen shortly afterward, as the commissioners evaluate each contractor's estimates, experience, and their expected start and completion times. He added that the commissioners have been in contact with other counties and municipalities, along with the architects and other professionals, to gather their opinions on the contractors.
Once chosen, the general contractor will select an expected completion date for the facility. A $500 penalty will be charged for every day the project is incomplete after the chosen deadline.
The new facility, consisting of three connected pre-engineered metal buildings, will be built at 1221 E. Buchanan St., on the southeastern corner of Windmill Ridge Drive and East Buchanan Street. An 80-by-100-foot main building will feature a publicly-accessible lobby and restroom, along with secured offices and storage areas. A 40-by-60-foot garage will be used as a workshop and can be transformed into additional offices in the future, and a 20-by-40-foot garage will be used for evidence and file storage.
When finished, the facility will replace the sheriff's office at 110 N. High St., which it moved into after mold and moisture issues forced them out of its old facility in 2018. Wheatley previously said the office lacks space for meetings, training sessions, and file and evidence storage.
Hoellering said the commissioners will send letters later this month to local banks requesting proposals for a lease-to-own municipality loan for constructing the facility. He said a decision should be rendered by the end of the month, based on who has the best interest rate.
Proposition P funds from a half-cent sales tax will cover incidental costs, furnishings and lease payments.