The opening of bids for supplies and road materials for the County Highway Department took up most of Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Daviess County Commissioners. The bids were taken under advisement for action at the next meeting.
In the absence of Commissioner Nathan Gabhart, Commissioner Michael Taylor chaired the meeting. Taylor reported they will hear from Stone-Ply, the contractor for the exterior of the new Government Center soon on materials to finish that part of the building. There is hope the exterior will be done this year before winter.
Meanwhile, Taylor and Commissioner Tom McCracken accepted RQAW’s proposal for design services for the building. They will be the new architect on the building and will finish design work and consulting at a cost of $52,500. The commissioners reported that architects Lamar and Associates haven’t been heard from since June. There was a disagreement with Lamar on the termination of Jasper Lumber’s contract who the commissioners have contended have not provided what was expected. Negotiations to end that contract are ongoing. The commissioners approved two separate invoices for legal services related that issue amounting to just under $10,500.
The Commissioners also approved an inter-local agreement with the City of Washington for Emergency Management. Washington will pay the County $6,000, a boost of $2000 in the City’s contribution. Emergency Management Director Scott Myers said the increase in the City’s contribution was in lieu of the City’s past practice of furnishing fuel for Emergency Management. Myers said the City made the change to be in line with the State Board of Accounts.
