The Town of Columbus agreed last week to take out a 10-year loan to finance part of a project to expand its police department building. 

Columbus Town Council met Thursday, June 16 and approved financing $200,000 with Entegra Bank, which offered a 1.99 percent interest rate.

Columbus recently approved a bid to complete the expansion from Dunlap Construction. The town plans to use $120,000 from its fund balance and another $200,000 in financing for the expansion.

The town decided to add onto its police department, which is adjacent to town hall on Walker Street. The building was formerly a single-family home until Columbus converted it to its police headquarters in 2010, which was previously housed in the basement of town hall.

The current police department has no evidence storage area, only one restroom and no rear exit to the building. Plans are for the addition to allow for multiple exits as well as a second restroom with a shower and a stairwell to the basement, which will include a secure location for the department’s armory, evidence storage and a vehicle bay, particularly for motorcycle storage.

Bids to do the expansion were opened in May and ranged from base bids of $285,778-$393,120. Local architect John Walters designed the expansion.

The town chose Dunlap Construction, which was the lowest bid at $285,778 but the town also plans alternate projects, including adding siding and covering the block of the building.

With the alternate projects, Dunlap’s total bid is $296,062, not including contingency or inspection expenses.

Town manager Tim Barth told council last month the town is looking at a $320,000 budget. The annual debt service for the loan will be approximately $25,000 a year, which the town plans to pay for through money it usually puts into savings every year. The town’s average addition to fund balance every year is approximately $45,000.

Also last Thursday, Columbus approved a contract with Cecil Cannon, who will serve as the project manager. Cannon’s contract includes $45 an hour, with the contract not to exceed $8,000.

“Because the town does not have anyone qualified to oversee the addition to the police department, the town asked Cecil Cannon to provide a proposed contract to provide construction management for the project,” said Barth.

Barth said based on sample reports from Cannon’s previous projects, Cannon appears very thorough in his inspections and report. Barth also said if Cannon completes the project at 100 hours, the town will only pay him $4,500 for his services.

Council also met with representatives with Dunlap Construction last week. Dunlap said the have already contacted subcontractors and are working on schedules and getting permits for the project. Construction of the expansion is expected to begin either by the end of June or first of July, according to Dunlap representatives.

Columbus Mayor Eric McIntyre asked Dunlap about the possibilities of change orders. McIntyre said a recent project council was faced with constant change orders, which put the price of the project higher.

McIntyre told contractors he could ensure them that if a change order comes before council that should’ve been caught prior, this council will not approve it. He said if it’s something unforeseen, that will be different, but the town does not want for contractors to come back asking for more money for something that should’ve been included in the beginning.

The town is also considering how to pay for furnishings for the new addition. Furnishings for the new addition are estimated at $10,000-$15,000.