Commission authorizes expanded JLG Architects scope to include furniture planning; furniture procurement estimated at $1 million

The Cass County Commission authorized an expanded scope for JLG Architects to include furniture layout, specification, bidding and assistance through installation for the annex remodel. Mr. Wilson presented the proposal, saying the architectural fee for this expanded scope is roughly $107,000 with a $6,000 alternate for a furniture fair, and that "the overall cost of the furniture itself is estimated at roughly 1000000 dollars." He said including furniture as part of the architects' package could yield savings through competitive bulk purchasing.

Commissioners questioned whether the furniture cost was included in the contingency and whether procurement would allow local vendor preference. Mr. Wilson said the furniture would be competitively bid and that staff would ensure procurement complies with law. Commissioners also discussed contingency breakdowns (design vs. construction contingencies) and the potential effect on the project budget; one commissioner urged sensitivity to awarding to local firms when procurement law allows.

A motion to authorize the architectural fee and expanded scope was moved and seconded and the commission approved the authorization on roll call.

Why it matters: including furniture planning in the architects' scope aligns procurement and design, affects the capital‑project budget and triggers procurement decisions about bidding and possible local preference.

Next steps: staff will direct architects to prepare RFP/bidding documents for furniture procurement and return with procurement timelines and final cost estimates.