Commission approves $36,492 payout for jail project after debate over $7,000 mobilization charge

The Coffee County Commission approved payment application number 27 from River City Construction LLC for $36,492.60 related to phase two of the Coffee County Law Enforcement Center project.

Before the vote, several commissioners pressed staff and county representatives about a $7,000 mobilization line item and a $3,500 temporary power charge included in contractor billing. Clint Reky of Shelly (responding on behalf of the contractor) provided a written explanation that mobilization covers bringing tools, materials and equipment to site and ordering bulk materials "so we can have them on site when needed," while temporary power pays for site lighting and temporary GFCI receptacles.

One commissioner summarized the concern: "It sounds like you can stick some more money in here to jack it up," referring to how contractors allocate costs across payment applications. Other commissioners noted that mobilization is commonly an element of bids and that the county had previously questioned similar charges on other projects. After discussion, the commission approved the payment by voice vote, 5-0.

The approved payment is charged to the jail construction project fund (fund 111). County staff said they had requested a cost breakdown from River City Construction and relayed the contractor's explanation at the meeting; commissioners flagged mobilization as a line item to watch in future payouts and procurement oversight.