Pennington County awards $2.94 million renovation contract for former administration building; bond authorization approved

The Pennington County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 17 to award the construction contract for renovations to the former county administration building at 130 Kansas City Street. Buildings & Grounds Director Davis Purcell presented a bid tab showing SECO (low bidder) with a base bid of $2,690,000; with alternates the total construction contract the board approved was $2,937,250. Purcell explained additional components including HVAC controls, IT/camera/access upgrades, FF&E for offices and estimated owner-held contingency for change orders.

Commissioner Roskinec moved a comprehensive motion authorizing the construction contract award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, approval of an owner-held construction contingency not to exceed $188,300, and authority for the director to execute necessary AIA and associated contracts. The motion also authorized capital-projects bond-fund expenditures for the project not to exceed $4,147,060 inclusive of construction, owner direct and non-construction components. Purcell noted the records-department alternate includes a Rapid City cost-share reimbursement of $141,645 and that dispatch-related work totaling $242,450 is expected to be funded from the restricted 911 fund and excluded from the bond request.

Commission discussion included comparisons to earlier higher cost estimates, an explanation that the larger previously discussed $18 million project had encompassed a broader law-enforcement relocation that did not proceed, and assurances from the Buildings & Grounds director about competitive bid proximity and contingency planning. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps identified included executing construction contracts, clarifying city reimbursement logistics, and coordinating dispatch funding details with the auditor's office.