By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider awarding the bid on the 718 Main Administrative Building renovation project after receiving three bids last week.

The commission will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the Ellis County Courthouse.

The county received three bids ranging from $630,000 to $648,000 but Ellis County Administrator Greg Sund said those were for just the base bids.

There were three alternates along with the bid, although Sund said two of the three should not have been considered as optional. A security grill and front counter built-ins were listed as alternates, to identify to cost and they will be paid for through the motor vehicle fund.

With the addition of the two alternatives, the bid from Paul-Wertenberger Construction for $709,000 was the low bid, and Sund recommended in his memo to commissioners to award the bid to the Hays-based company.

Factoring in the two alternatives, the bid from Conco Construction, Wichita, was $717,695, and Commercial Builders, Hays, submitted a bid of $723,700.

The county’s target for the remodeling cost was $700,000.

The commission also will consider four lease/purchase agreements to buy 38 self-contained breathing apparatus units for Ellis County Rural Fire District No. 1.

Last week, the commission awarded the bid to Hays Fire and Rescue Sales and Service for $187,950.

The commission will also get an update on a potential place to locate courthouse and Law Enforcement Center staff during reconstruction.

The commission will convene as the Public Building Commission for a short meeting set to begin at 4:55 p.m. Monday at the courthouse to consider accounts payable.