Commissioners: Is time right to build new county facility?

By Karen Cimino Wilson
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Cabarrus County commissioners on Monday debated whether now is the time to consider building a new county office building at the old fairgrounds.

The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners was asked Monday to decide how to proceed on the $4.5 million project during their regular meeting.

The county has received six responses to the request for qualifications to serve as construction manager-at-risk on the project. They are: BE&K Building Group, CM Black Construction Company Inc., Edifice General Contractors, GW Liles Construction Company Inc., Myers & Chapman Inc. and Turner Construction Company.

Deputy County Manager Mike Downs asked commissioners whether they wanted to interview all the applicants or have the staff narrow down the list.

The question led to a discussion on whether now is the time to spend money on new projects. Commissioners Coy Privette and Grace Mynatt questioned the timing given the poor economy.

But County Manager John Day said, “It is a good time, and it’s particularly good time to put people to work.”

It’s also possible to save money on construction now, he said.

The new building would house the county parks, EMS, board of elections, veterans administration and transportation offices.

“I think it’s important we move forward with this,” said Commissioner Chairman Jay White.

Commissioner Bob Carruth said he wanted staff to come back with two recommendations for construction manager-at-risk. Commissioners Liz Poole and Grace Mynatt said they would prefer three recommendations that the board will then interview.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to have the staff narrow the list to three. Commissioners Carruth, Mynatt, Poole and White voted for the proposal. 
Commissioner Privette voted against it.

• Contact Karen Cimino Wilson: 704-789-9141.