City approves new contractor in special meeting

By: Shelia Mader

The Marianna City Commission held a called meeting Wednesday to finalize plans for replacing the contractor originally selected to build the M.E.R.E. Project Facility. City Manager William Long explained that the city could no longer move forward with the first contractor and needed approval to execute a settlement agreement and re-award the project to the next lowest bidder, Ram Development. The shift comes as the city faces tight timelines tied to COVID-related grant funding that cannot accommodate delays from litigation or a lengthy bond claim process. The M.E.R.E. Project will be a Resiliency Hub/Multi-Purpose building that will be used for recreational activities(basketball, volleyball, and pickle ball) that will have the ability to be used as a shelter in the event of a disaster, as it is being built to withstand 150 mph winds. The facility is being built at Optimist Park.

City Attorney Matt Fuqua outlined the terms of the settlement with the departing contractor, which includes a two-year ban on bidding future city projects and a $65,000 payment to the city. The agreement has already been signed by the contractor but will only take effect once the city successfully enters a contract with Ram Development. Commissioners were told the cost of switching contractors increases the project budget by about $480,000. Long noted that the grantmaker has given the city near-certain assurance that additional funds will be provided to cover the difference. If not, adjustments to exterior elements like parking could bring the project back within the current budget without altering the building itself.

Commissioners asked about the financial impact and whether the settlement covers actual costs. Long said the city’s losses were minimal and that the settlement amount is more punitive than compensatory. He described the original contractor as apologetic and embarrassed over the issues that led to the withdrawal. Ram Development, he added, is a large and experienced company known for building Publix stores and similar facilities, and staff feel confident in its ability to proceed without further delay.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the settlement agreement, with the condition noted by the attorney, and authorized the city manager to sign it once the new contract is in place..