Central Office work to begin soon – The Standard Banner

The Department of Education should be able to move back into its office complex within a year, County Commissioners were told last week.

A construction manager and architect/engineering firm are in place for the project, so designs leading to the construction bid process can begin soon, said David Longmire, Director of Safety and Facilities for the county.

The central office building has been empty since July 2015 due to mold problems. Commissions facilities committee recommended that up to $1 million be set aside for renovation of the structure, but Commission took more of a first step approach with a $450,000 allocation.

McSpadden, Inc., is the construction manager for the renovation project. Longmire, County Mayor Alan Palmieri, County Finance Director Langdon Potts, and Commission Chairman Jimmy Carmichael serve on a committee directing the project.

The historic brick structure was built as a county jail at the same time as the 1845 courthouse next door. Last October, Commissioners agreed to use $450,000 in retainage funds from the high school construction project to remove mold from the building, replace the heating and air system, and hire a construction manager and engineer for the project. Other aspects of the up to $1 million project would be bid as alternates, to be decided on by Commission later.

The Education Department currently occupies the second floor of the First Tennessee Bank building in Dandridge. The County is paying $4,875 per month in rent.

Commission meets Thursday evening to vote on its over $100 million annual budget, which includes no property tax increase.

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Central Office work to begin soon - The Standard Banner