Warren County is officially moving forward with the jail project after approving a contract with River City Construction to serve as the project’s general contractor.
Board Chairman Mike Pearson said the agreement places responsibility for construction and subcontracting with River City.
“Essentially, it awards River City the general contractor position to construct the jail. They are responsible for putting together all of the subcontractors and everything, and we are very happy with the jail layout that they proposed.”
The decision was delayed by one week after dialogue was opened with River City during the previous Warren County Board meeting regarding the use of local contractors. Pearson said he later spoke with River City face-to-face and was told local contractors would be considered through the company’s subcontracting process when possible.
Pearson added that River City will assume full responsibility for the project.
“All of the responsibility for the contractors, the performance, and the quality of the jail is on the general contractor, River City, which we thought was important.”
The next steps for the jail project now fall to River City as the company works to finalize subcontractors, lock in pricing, and complete negotiations, says Pearson.
“River City has to put together the contractors. At this point, we have a fair idea of what the price is, but they still have to lock that down. We will do a little negotiating on that. As far as when we hope to break ground, when the weather gets much better than it is right now. We’re hoping to break ground in April and start putting shovels in the ground and moving dirt.”
The County Board also passed two additional resolutions last night. Resolution HWY-26-001 approves 40 miles of county road preservation work in addition to township projects. Resolution HWY-26-002 was also approved, granting the county purchasing authority for road salt.
For the full interview following the Warren County Board meeting, listen below.
