Union County awards Providence Fire Station electrical contract, excluding generator

Union County commissioners on March 16 approved awarding the base electrical contract for the Providence Fire Station to Jenkins Electric and held off on purchasing a backup generator until additional funding is secured.

Staff told the board sealed bids were opened and clarified the quotes so they could be compared "apples to apples." Mister Williams said the original total bid showed "$163,513" but that the generator was listed as an alternate line item and could be rebid or pursued later with grant funds. He recommended accepting the lowest base bid to allow the building work to proceed without the generator.

Commissioners discussed the scope of the bid award and confirmed that the award covers electrical work necessary to operate fire, rescue and EMS operations but excludes the generator. Commissioner Jones moved to award Jenkins Electric the base bid; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Board members said they would pursue additional funding and appropriations for the generator and could rebid the generator portion if grant funding is not found. The board recorded no objections and scheduled follow-up as needed to obtain grant support for the generator.