In August of 2015, the Hernando County BOCC agreed to purchase the Tampa Bay Times building on Highway 50 for $4.15 million to consolidate the Utilities Department offices. The building is not yet occupied by the county and is now awaiting $140,500 in A/C repair which is projected to take 75 days to complete.
At the 05/24/16 meeting, Assistant County Administrator Russell Wetherington asked the BOCC to approve the contract for the installation of a chiller and rooftop package for the new Hernando County Utilities Department Administration building (formerly the Hernando Times building). The contract was awarded to Gibson Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC at a cost of $140,500.00, which is approximately $25,000 less than the County’s independent estimate.
Wetherington stated the contractor expects the project to take 75 days. Included in the installation is the removal of the three air units currently in place. Commissioner Diane Rowden asked when the Utilities Department would be able to occupy the building. Chairman Jim Adkins advised that additional work, beyond the replacement of the air units, such as ceiling and duct work is needed. Wetherington projected a minimum of three months for everything to be done, including time needed to move equipment and resources.
The BOCC voted unanimously to award that contract to Gibson Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, LLC. Only one other company, Air Mechanical & Service Corp, bid for the contract. Their bid was $193,740.