As the new Grimes County Justice Center has officially broken ground, the county is now trying to finalize a project manager for the construction. At last week’s meeting of commissioner’s court, the topic of hiring the new PM was on the table.
Vanir Construction Management was one of the bidders to be the PM. But, Commissioner Phillip Cox submitted his own proposal.
“One of the ideas I would like to submit to the court is that we promote Al Peeler to project manager of the upcoming projects,” Cox said.
Peeler is the building maintenance manager for the county. Commissioner Cox also mentioned Peeler overseeing future projects in the county as well, of which he listed off a few.
Commissioner Barbara Walker shared her concern with that plan.
“With all the projects I see, not saying Al could not do the job. What I am saying, is there is a possibility of burn out. You have one project going on, you still have to oversee maintenance of all these buildings,” Walker said. “Are we adding duties just because the money is there? Are we adding duties that could possibly burn you out?”
County Attorney Jon C. Fultz suggested that, since promoting him would change his pay scale, that the commissioners table the item to give time for the county auditor to work out the details financially. Also mentioned was the possibility of collecting other project manager bids during that time.
The commissioner’s unanimously voted to table the item so further research can be done.
The item will be back on the January 22nd meeting agenda.
