County commission considers jail maintenance bids

Under the gavel of newly installed chairman Calvin Martin, the Marengo Country Commission accepted the low bid for maintenance work on the jail but put restrictions on the proposal.

Southern Painting and Insulation bid $29,500 for the work but did not provide a bid bond. Neither did any of the other three bidders.

County Attorney W.W. Dinning said this is a service contract, not a purchase, and companies that provide such work don’t regularly bid on government jobs.

Commissioner Jason Windham questioned whether any of the companies recognized the repair work involved more than simply repainting the exterior. The job requires patching the walls with a product that can be difficult to find.

The commission accepted the low bid based on the assurance that the company provides a 10 percent bid bond and use the correct material for repair. If not, the next low bid will be approved.

The commission tabled until the next meeting a motion to close the west side of Country Road 33.
Property owners on the dirt road want it to be permanently vacated or have the county maintain it, said Commissioner John Crawford. It is an issue that has been going on for almost 30 years, he said.

Dinning told Crawford to get the names and addresses of the property owners, and he would take care of the paperwork.

The commission presented a resolution honoring Sweet Water High School football team for winning its class state championship.

Chairman Martin also congratulated other Marengo County teams for advancing to the playoffs

In other action the commission appointed Gloria Hayes Pritchett to the South Marengo County Water and Fire Protection Authority and Major Burrell to the E911 Board from District 1.

The Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday was approved for Feb. 23-25.

The Marengo County Economic Development Authority director Chris Bontreger thanked the commission for its support during his first year in the position.