County projects continue

Work on four major county-backed projects is continuing, though county officials are being advised to prepare for higher-than-projected expenses.

During last week’s executive committee meeting, project manager Jennifer Sawyer provided updates on the Three Rivers satellite courthouse, the Centreville courthouse courts building, the historic courthouse roof project and work at the St. Joseph County Jail.

Bids for the historic courthouse roof replacement were opened July 27 and the amount of the apparent low bidder is $455,577. Work is slated to begin in September.

County administrator Teresa Doehring said the county allocated $110,000 for the project. She said she plans to meet with finance director Angie Steinman to discuss funding options for the additional work.

Regarding a separate job, Sawyer said the jail project has grown from replacing jail doors only to include replacing the jail area’s control room.

Three Rivers-based Brussee/Brady submitted the lone bid, an amount of $528,400. Doehring said the county budgeted $350,000, though that was for doors only.

She said the situation and its higher-than-expected cost will require further discussion.

Sawyer did not indicate any higher-than-expected costs at the moment for the satellite courts project and the courts building renovation.