Dade County awards animal center shell construction contract to Chasler Inc. for roughly $182,521

The Dade County Board of Commissioners voted to award the request-for-proposal for the shell building and footers of the Trenton Dade Animal Center to Chasler Inc., based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a contract figure read into the record as $182,521.

County staff explained two proposals were received and opened in late November: Chasler (Cullman/Chattanooga supplier) and Jimmy Trailer Construction (Rainsville, Ala.). Chasler’s proposal for the building shell, roof and erection plus specified site work and piers was the lower revised price; the county will perform interior finishing work (floors, interior partitions) separately. Commissioners emphasized warranty, bracing, insulation and MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) coordination would be finalized after award and prior to construction.

Why this matters: the RFP award advances construction of a permanent facility for Trenton Dade Animal Center, moving the project from planning toward a January groundbreaking and county-managed interior build-out. County leaders noted bid comparisons included differences in roof and wall insulation thickness and scope that staff reviewed during the opening.

Procurement notes: the board confirmed Chasler provided required insurance and complied with bid instructions after correcting for taxes and clarified scope items (windows, garage doors, entry doors). Commissioners discussed local subcontracting for some trade work and confirmed the county will finalize MEP drawings before ordering doors and windows.

The contract award was placed on the consent agenda and approved unanimously as part of the meeting’s consent vote.