To: Brian K. Flewelling, Public Works Committee Chairperson
From: Joshua Freeman, Director of Administration
title
RE: Approval of an agreement between Genesee County and Hobbs + Black Architects, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00, to perform a space study for several county departments; the cost of this agreement will be paid from the account listed
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of an agreement between Genesee County and Hobbs + Black Architects to conduct a space study of various county departments.
BACKGROUND:
The Board of County Commissioners approved a Capital Improvement Plan that provided anticipated projects and costs necessary to maintain several different buildings. In adopting the plan, it was anticipated that several satellite court locations would close and consolidate into the McCree Building. As part of that consolidation, it was also anticipated that additional renovations would be necessary to accommodate the District Court, Prosecutor, Public Defender, and Community Corrections at McCree. As the result of a lawsuit settlement, the Board of County Commissioners agreed to explore building of a new facility that would house those departments and offices currently located at McCree as well as parts of offices that are in other buildings.
DISCUSSION:
Any decision must be driven by data. To understand future needs and costs, it is in the County’s best interest to engage a firm that will help quantify future departmental needs. Currently, we have offices and departments spread across multiple buildings filling existing space that was not configured to the work of the office. As a result, the current space is not efficient for operations. Before a final decision can be made to either renovate or build, the county should have solid data to support any recommendation from staff and ultimately any decision by the Board.
To help facilitate this process, an RFP was done to seek qualified vendors. A review was conducted by members of each affected department as well as by Commissioner Flewelling. An interview was conducted of the top three applicants. After scoring, Hobbs + Black Architects is being recommended.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
No impact on HR.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
This expense will be paid for from account 1010-202.00-804.000. A budget amendment is attached.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
Facilities will be the contract/project manager for this endeavor. Leadership of the department will be required to absorb this additional duty.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
No impact on IT.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The Board of County Commissioners have prioritized the long-term financial stability of Genesee County. In conducting this space study, the Board will be able to direct future resources in the most efficient manner as they continue to find ways to reduce costs while preserving a high level of service to residents.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, authorizes entering into an agreement between Genesee County and Hobbs + Black Architects, and appropriating a total amount of $150,000.00 from account 1010-202.00-804.000, whereby the contractor will perform a space study (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the June 11, 2025 meeting of the Public Works Committee of this Board), the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of Genesee County after final approval by Corporation Counsel, and the Chief Financial Officer is directed to record the attached budget amendment.