The Starke County Commissioners last night approved the final design and estimate for the new Starke County Jail facility, allowing the bidding process to begin. Representatives from the Skillman Corporation and DLZ presented the commissioners with the documentation for their approval and requested authorization to issue CDs for bidding.
The bids are estimated to come in around $10,225,000, and officials hope to receive the bids on Oct. 10, allowing for a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. CT. The commissioners approved their request, authorizing them to advertise for bids.
Lisa Lee of Ice Miller also asked the commissioners for their approval in a public hearing to authorize the execution of the jail project lease. She said this is time when the financing side and construction side of the project come together, and the final step before construction bids. The commissioners approved a motion to accept the lease.
The Building Corporation Board then reconvened their meeting to allow the three members of the board to pass a motion joining and accepting the lease as well.
A schedule presented regarding the project indicates that the first advertisement for bidders will hit the papers on Sept. 19, followed by a second advertisement on Sept. 26. A pre-bid meeting will take place Sept. 27 at the location on State Road 8 for the new facility, and the bids are expected to be assigned on Oct. 21.
Construction is expected to begin Nov. 12.
