DARLINGTON – The Multi-Use building finally is off the ground, with bids being awarded at their July 24, 2017 meeting. Tom Jean, Lafayette County Highway Commissioner and general contractor of this project stated he would like to work with local businesses if possible. Jean said, “I think we have done our due diligence to try to get the prices down to where we could. I don’t think it’s going to get any cheaper. If we wait I think the prices will go up.”
    With that in mind Jean recommended the committee go with Nodolf Lumber and Ubersox Construction for the project. The committee agreed and awarded Nodolf Lumber of Darlington the materials bid at $284,980. It was noted that Nodolf included the overhead doors ($24,600) and suspended ceiling in their bid, which was not reflected in the other bids. Ubersox Construction of Darlington was awarded the construction bid at $107,900.
    Gerald Hiemann, County Board Supervisor, stated his personal preference for electric is Gentz Electic of Monroe. Hiemann said, “Gentz has been around for years and are experienced.” The low bid was Hoffman Electric of Mineral Point, the difference in bids was $1,424. Hoffmann submitted no bid bond and the committee seemed concerned with a lack of experience with Hoffman. A motion was approved to award Gentz Electric the electric bid at $70,924.
    The other bids went to Fritz’s Burner Service of Darlington for HVAC at $49,800 and Crist Plumbing of Darlington for plumbing at $49,500. Both of these bids were the low bids.
    Jean said he wanted to keep the building under $700,000 and his estimate including the county’s portion of work is around $690,000.
    The schedule: site preparation and foundation by the county will be complete by Sept. 1, 2017; the building will be enclosed in by Nov. 1, 2017; the building will be completely finished by May 1, 2017.
    Jean stated that this does not need to go through the county board or finance for approval. The project will be paid for out of Lafayette County Highway funds, and then, if necessary, will be reimbursed from the county’s general account.