The Ellis County Press: Facilities Oversight Committee nearing conclusion

Facilities Oversight Committee nearing conclusion
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Editor on 04/08/2010 14:39:00


Diana Buckley
Ellis County Communications
ELLIS COUNTY - The Ellis County Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee is nearing
the conclusion of its business, with county offices scheduled to move into new
facilities in downtown Waxahachie this June.
"We have procured every piece except for the relocation, which will go to bid
next week," said Jon Vidaurri of Jones Lang LaSalle during the Monday April 5,
meeting.
"My partner with Jones Lang LaSalle Real Estate has been working with the county
and will be putting a package together to sell the (remaining) buildings."
Vidaurri said he expects the construction manager at risk, Balfour Beatty, to
seek certificates of occupancy for the jail addition and the new courts building
about the third week in May. "After that, we can move folks in," said Vidaurri.
To date, approximately $50.7 million has been expended, with a balance of almost
$7 million remaining.
"The bulk of that is retainage on payments to the contractor, as a safety
factor, in the event we have a few last pieces for them to wrap up,"said
Vidaurri.
Committee Chair Roy Orr thanked Vidaurri and County Engineer Joe White for their
vigilance and expertise on the multi-year project.
"A number of county officials are very proud of you," he said.
"Between the two of you, you made the county look good in my judgment."
"I have already told my commissioner how much I've enjoyed serving on this
committee," said Committee Secretary Cheree Barrett.
"It's been interesting and fun working with everybody - I've enjoyed it."
Vidaurri asked the committee to convene for a final meeting, tentatively set for
June 28 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the new courts building.