Overton Schools Moved Forward With CTE Building Despite High Costs

Overton County Schools will move forward with a new CTE building despite costs that came in some $600,000 over budget.

The school board approved $1.3 million for the project, but bids came in at $1.9 million. School board member Mike Hayes said school officials looked at changing from a brick building to a metal building. However, the savings would have been minimal.

“My recommendation would be that we approve the amended budget and pay the $600,000 out of fund balance,” Hayes said. “We’re getting a $1.9 million building by paying $600,000 out of balance. Even though its going to cost us, there is a five percent contingency in there, which is roughly a $100,000.”

The change to a metal building would have only saved $200,000 because engineers would have to redesign the building.

The actual savings for switching to metal from brick was $250,000, but Hayes said the having the designs redone would have cost $50,000. In addition, having to start from the beginning design phase would push back the construction timeline.

“They would have to redesign everything, and rebid it out, which would cost an additional $50,000,” Hayes said. “Which the only true savings would be $200,000, but it would push it back a possible 20 weeks.”

The expected timeline is to have the CTE building completed in time for the 2024-25 school year. Midstate Construction was the low bidder.