Commissioners authorize design agreement for hurricane safe room using remaining ARPA funds

Hardin County Commissioners Court on Dec. 23 authorized the county judge to execute a standard agreement with LaBrief Architectural Group to design phase C of the county’s hurricane safe room, which will include the emergency operations center.

The item, presented by county staff, authorized up to $93,000 for design services to be paid from remaining ARPA project funds and ARPA interest (agenda language referenced $50,xxx toward the total). The county’s consultant Greg (referenced in the record) recommended completion of the design work before advertising construction bids. Staff reported they had submitted a congressional Large Project Notification (LPN) for a related budget modification and expected approval in late January or early February subject to potential holiday delays.

Commissioners discussed timing and directed staff to proceed with the design once funds and LPN approval are confirmed; the court approved the authorization by voice vote.