County staff reviews capital‑projects list; forensic center months‑ahead on mechanical equipment and near completion on envelope work

Rutherford County staff used the March 31 Property Management Committee meeting to walk commissioners through the county’s multi‑year capital improvements spreadsheet and to provide a progress update on the Rutherford County Regional Forensics Center.

Director Dodd told commissioners the forensic center’s site work is about 85% complete; storm‑water features and retaining ponds are around 90% and will remain near that level until tie‑ins at the end of the project. Driving lanes and parking grading are about 80% complete. The roof’s metal installation is roughly 95% complete; brick and masonry work about 90%; and interior mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough‑in above ceiling is approximately 90%. Director Dodd said inspections are current, the water tie‑in is complete, gas hookup is expected within two weeks and mechanical equipment deliveries (transformer, switchgear, RTUs) are on schedule — several items are ahead of schedule.

Staff also reviewed the capital list on SharePoint, explaining that the document contains 'not‑to‑exceed' estimates, state‑formula architectural fee calculations, contract contingency placeholders (an early 11% figure that the staff expects to drop to 3–5% as design matures), and placeholder FFN/security/IT estimates. The packet includes multiple potential projects with timing over several fiscal years; staff asked commissioners to review and return comments.

Commissioners asked about operating‑cost assumptions and whether municipal partners could cost‑share future facilities. Director Dodd and finance staff said the county has historically absorbed added square footage without large annual increases and that one‑year contractor warranties reduce initial maintenance obligations. Staff said their internal maintenance cost estimate is about $5.13 per square foot in the current budget; a national comparator was referenced in the packet.

Next steps: commissioners will review the capital list, staff will integrate the school board’s planning data when it becomes available, and the committee will revisit the capital list at a future meeting.