City officials are continuing a search for a contractor for the purchase and installation of security cameras at Columbus City Hall and the Evolution Training Center.
The Columbus Board of Works voted Wednesday to reject a bid from Koorsen Fire and Security for this project, which is being funded through a grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“We only received one bid, and the one bid we received was about $45,000 over what we have from our Homeland Security grant,” said City Director of Finance, Operations and Risk Jamie Brinegar.
Koorsen’s proposal, which was opened at the board’s April 19 meeting, had a base bid of $160,555. When the Request for Proposals was initially sent out in late March, Brinegar had estimated that the project would cost about $100,000.
He said Wednesday that the city will create a new RFP regarding the project. He added that they may seek more of an “à la carte proposal” so that if the total price is more than they’d like, the city can choose which parts to accept.
Cameras are not the only expense that will be funded by the DHS grant. The city also plans to add a metal detector at the back entrance to city hall. City officials previously estimated the entire project would cost $123,866.
Columbus City Council approved an ordinance last month that, among other things, allowed the appropriation of up to $126,322 from the city’s general fund for expenses related to the grant.
The city was awarded a $126,322 grant from the DHS’ State Homeland Security Program for safety upgrades at city hall and the Evolution Training Facility. Because this is a “refunding grant,” the city must spend funds prior to being reimbursed Homeland Security.
