County opens bids for assessor's office upgrades; abatement required before phase two

LaSalle County property officials opened competitive bids June 12 for interior renovations to the county Assessor's Office, and staff confirmed that abatement of asbestos-containing floor tile must occur before the second phase of the work begins.

County staff read the bid tab during the meeting and reported four responsive contractors: Lee Park Construction submitted the lowest base bid at $118,950; Beco Construction bid $189,000; Maserini, Inc. returned three identical envelopes at $222,333.33; and Taza Construction submitted a base bid of $220,436. Staff said most bids included a 5% bid bond and unit-price lines for gypsum-board repair.

The project was estimated at $165,000, and staff said the work will be staged in two phases so the department can remain operational for tax hearings. Officials said construction is slated to start in early September and be complete by mid-December so the Assessor's Office can resume normal operations in time for hearings.

When a committee member asked about abatement, county facilities staff Wesley explained that environmental engineers sampled floor tile in a break room and two restrooms and found asbestos-containing materials. Wesley said the county will have the abatement performed prior to the start of phase two and that abatement work is being bid separately and coordinated with the renovation schedule.

Committee members asked staff to double-check bid tab numbers and materials; staff (Curt/Kurt) will verify contractor submissions and report back with a recommendation. No contract award was made at the meeting.

The committee also discussed a trial window replacement in the assessor area; staff said a small sample of replacement windows is expected in early July and would be installed before other renovation work begins in that zone.

Next steps: staff will verify the bids and return with a recommendation to the committee; abatement work will be scheduled and completed before phase two of the renovation.