While the private sector can’t seem to get its construction act together, Haywood County shall enter into a $5,398,000 construction contract to convert a former Wal-Mart into a health and human services and permitting center. $293,674 has been cut off the lowest bid. The project’s lead architect indicated there will be no cost overruns because no contingency is budgeted.
The building, incidentally, is free because it is to be paid in full by a $12.5 million US Rural Development loan, to be repaid at 3.75% over forty years.
Commissioners have stated government reimbursements will cover the bulk of the payments and said no tax increase will be needed because of the project.
