Franklin County approves Resolution 26-4 to order courthouse electrical work, includes early‑completion incentive

Franklin County supervisors approved Resolution 26‑4 ordering construction of electrical services for the county courthouse and directing staff to issue bid documents and set a public hearing before accepting a bid.

During discussion Speaker 1 said the courthouse will need to be completely shut down for about five working days while a new transformer and conduit are installed, and described an early‑completion enhancement payment of $2,500 per day to incentivize finishing ahead of schedule. The resolution also contemplates a corresponding $2,500‑per‑day reduction as a penalty if the work exceeds the scheduled window. Speaker 1 said the $2,500 figure was derived from a rough estimate of employee wages and related costs for the shutdown period and that the county must be able to justify the payment, as discussed with the county attorney and engineers.

The resolution references Iowa Code section 26.9 as the statutory authority for considering enhancement payments for early completion. Speaker 2 and Speaker 3 asked clarifying questions about where the enhancement payment language appears in the resolution and how the dollars will be documented; Speaker 1 confirmed the contract and bid documents will include the specific figures so contractors know the terms before bidding.

A roll‑call was taken during the resolution vote; Lukensmeyer and McVichern were recorded saying “Aye,” and the chair declared the resolution approved. The county will publish bid documents (anticipated next week) and hold a public hearing, after which the board will consider accepting a contractor bid and final contract terms.

Next steps: bid documents will be released and a public hearing scheduled (county staff said the public hearing will permit comment on the enhancement/penalty provisions before any contract is executed).