Republic file photo Columbus City Hall.
Columbus officials are seeking more proposals for security cameras for Columbus City Hall and the Evolution Training Center.
The Columbus Board of Works voted Tuesday to issue a new notice to bidders on the project, which is being funded through a grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The city’s initial Request for Proposals (RFP) only resulted in one proposal from Koorsen Fire and Security, which gave a base bid of $160,555. The board voted in early May to reject the company’s bid.
“It was significantly higher than we anticipated,” said City Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon.
At the time, City Director of Finance, Operations and Risk Jamie Brinegar said that the city might look for more of an “à la carte proposal” so that if the total price is more than they’d like, officials can choose which parts to accept.
Ferdon said Tuesday that several police officers worked with the city’s IT department to revise the RFP. She added that public notice will be published in The Republic, and the city will also send the document directly to interested bidders.
Cameras are not the only expense that will be funded by the DHS grant. The city also plans to add a metal detector at the back entrance to city hall. Columbus City Council approved an ordinance in April that, among other things, allowed the appropriation of up to $126,322 from the city’s general fund for expenses related to the grant.
The city was awarded a $126,322 grant from the DHS’ State Homeland Security Program for safety upgrades at city hall and the Evolution Training Facility. Because this is a “refunding grant,” the city must spend funds prior to being reimbursed by Homeland Security.
