Hall County board authorizes construction-manager-at-risk path for courthouse project, 5-2

Hall County commissioners voted 5-2 on March 12 to authorize use of a construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) approach as they move forward on a planned courthouse project.

Commissioner (speaker 9) framed the approach as an early step to allow the county to involve a construction manager in preconstruction planning, cost refinement and contractor selection. The board discussed alternatives (traditional design-bid-build) and asked for a two-week return on proposed selection-committee nominees and RFP language.

The architect presented revised drawings that aim to reduce cost and disruption (including avoiding a below-grade tunnel in favor of more efficient layouts). The architect said that the changes increase usable floor by about 2,000 square feet per floor in places while aiming to offset cost through other efficiencies.

Supporters of the CMAR approach said it provides more early information on cost and contractor-led value engineering; critics warned it may reduce price competition. Commissioners emphasized oversight: the construction manager's work would be overseen by county staff, the architect and selected board representatives.

The resolution passed 5 yes, 2 no. Commissioners directed staff and the architect to prepare pros/cons and draft selection committee guidance and to return in two weeks with names to consider for the committee and an RFP timetable.