FARMINGTON — County commissioners voted 2-1 on Tuesday to award the contract to paint the trim the Franklin County Courthouse to Jim’s Painting Service.

The bid price was $22,300.

There were six prices received for the project ranging from $10,500 to more than $27,000.

County custodian Greg Roux checked out references and contractors’ work.

He narrowed it down to Aurora Contracting of Starks, which had a bid of $11,800 and Jim’s Painting Service. He said the latter has done projects similar to the courthouse including the former Ingall’s school building, and has done good work.

Aurora did not have as much experience in working on high lifts and was new to the area, Roux said.

“I think we could get the work done” with each of the companies, he said.

Roux said he would probably be more comfortable by going with Jim’s due to experience and jobs previously done.

He also said he was not uncomfortable going with Aurora, he said.

There is $22,500 in the budget for the work after commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to carry over $10,500 that was in last year’s budget for the project. The panel agreed to go with the low bidder last year but the work never got done and then commissioners decided to rebid the painting.

“Experience goes a long way in my mind,” Commissioner Gary McGrane of Jay said. “I’m much more comfortable with Jim’s Painting.”

McGrane and Commissioner Clyde Barker of Strong went with Roux’s recommendation. Chairman Fred Hardy opposed it saying that he was not in favor of adding an extra $10,000 to painting the trim on the courthouse.

In another matter, commissioners also gave verbal consensus for Assistant District Attorney Andrew Robinson to get the security of proposed rental space checked out to make sure they are secure enough for the confidential documents they keep in the District Attorney’s Office.

Hardy said he visited both Church Street Commons and Craig Jordan’s property being offered on Main Street. Both are close to courts.

Jordon’s property would be $10 a square foot and most amenities such as heat, sewer, snow removal would be covered under the price.

The cost for 1,974 square feet is $19,740, he said.

There were some concerns voiced previously from Robinson about noise carrying and security on Jordan’s building that also includes a residence.

The cost for the Church Street Commons is $13.67 per square foot, Hardy said.

The total price for rental and services is $22,395 per year for 1,500 square feet.

Robinson said they were willing to work with Jordan, who plans to address concerns to make it work. He requested two more weeks to see if the security would work.

There is $22,290 in the county budget for office space, utilities and other costs.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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