Facilities director urges annual architect roster to speed county projects

Dan Kendall, facilities director, told the Bannock County Board of Commissioners that hiring an architect or designer on an annual roster would let the county move on projects without repeating long procurements that can take roughly 60–68 weeks. Kendall said the county used a similar approach with ARPA funds and that architects’ fees typically ranged from about 4.5% to 7% in those projects.

Several commissioners supported the idea as a way to reduce delays for fencing, building and other projects. Commissioners suggested a roster or rotating list so that if one firm is busy, the county can call the next available firm; staff said the arrangement worked well during the ARPA program.

Commissioners asked that county legal and procurement draft a public RFQ process and return to the board with options. Kendall said Shannon (staff) would start the process and that he would bring a proposed procurement method back for a public meeting and board approval.

The recommendation is advisory at this stage: commissioners directed staff to work with legal on the procurement documentation and present a process for approval at a future public meeting.