By: Glenn Harbison / glenn@fanninbasincitizen.com

Polk County commissioners agreed on several spending decisions when they met at the Copper Basin Community Center June 30. 

Roof repair and a training building were approved for the justice center, but the county still faces the cost of replacing HVAC units. 

Commissioners agreed by a 7-2 vote to accept a $109,842 bid from Rackley Roofing to repair the roof at the justice. 

This was the higher of two bids received, and was approved only after commissioners John Pippenger and Danny Carver raised concerns over accepting the higher bid. 

Carver argued that accepting the higher bid “threatens the competitive bid process,” because it would deter bidders in the future. 

Commissioner Mush Davis countered, “You get what you pay for,” echoing comments about the quality of Rackley’s Polk County work in the past. 

Commissioner Kelley Morgan said the county could accept either the “lowest or best” bid. Pippenger said “best” had to be justified. 

After further discussion, all commissioners except Pippenger and Carver voted for Rackley. 

Commissioners accepted a low bid of $21,125 for a training building to be constructed at the justice center by Community Mini Barns, the Mennonite community. This will be covered by a grant. 

Commissioners also heard from Eddie Cheek of the urgency to replace 20-year-old air conditioning units at the justice center. “I don’t know if we’re going to make it through July,” Cheek said. If the units fail, prisoners would have to be housed elsewhere, increasing the county’s cost. 

Commissioners agreed to move forward with the bidding process as quickly as possible. 

In other cooling problems, commissioners accepted a $16,750 bid from JH Heating and A/C for the Copper Basin Community Center. 

A $16,000 match for a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan, tabled from the previous meeting, was approved unanimously. 

In other action: 

•Beverly Howell was appointed to the library board; 

•A new, one-year contract was agreed to for the East Polk Library rental at the current price of $750 per month; 

•All five members of the county Equalization Board were reappointed by an 8-1 vote with Pippenger voting no; 

•Heard an assurance from County Executive Robby Hatcher the courthouse grant is “not going to be lost,” despite rumors circulating on the West side of the county; and, 

•Agreed to a one-time, $3,600 payment and $300 per month rent for the Lindsdale dump site so that it can remain in the same location.