Rankin County accepts low bid for Flowood tax assessor/tax collector office; contract talks to follow

The Rankin County Planning Commission voted Jan. 29 to accept the low bid for a new Flowood tax assessor and tax collector satellite office, moving the project into contract negotiations.

Staff reported that 13 bids were received for the project; after removing outliers and averaging the middle bids, the staff estimate was roughly $2.27 million, and an independent market estimate from November produced $2.185 million. The low bid from VIG Construction was reported by staff as approximately $1.995 million (with discussion noting figures of about $2.202 million depending on alternates and scope). Commissioners discussed value engineering and which site‑work and landscaping items would remain county responsibilities versus contractor scope.

Architects and staff said the building design provides about 4,260 square feet for the assessor and collector satellite office and that the county has completed significant site preparation. Staff noted a $50,000 owner contingency built into the proposal that would be returned to the county if unused. Commissioners asked about landscaping, potential additional landscaping costs (discussed as roughly $50,000 as an estimate for work outside the contractor’s scope), and the typical negotiation window; staff said bids remain valid for the statutory period and that contract negotiations would follow, with a target to issue a notice to proceed after insurance and contract issues are resolved.

Commissioners then moved to accept the low bid and begin negotiations with the bidder. The motion passed by voice vote. Staff said they would confer with the tax assessor and collector and the contractor to finalize the scope and timeline; staff and members estimated a typical notice‑to‑proceed and mobilization window measured in weeks to months, and noted an 11‑month construction contract period in discussions of schedule.

The commission’s vote advances the procurement to contract negotiation; specific contract terms, final price after negotiated alternates or value engineering, and a formal construction schedule were not specified at the meeting.