Sheet and Metal Systems (SAMS) Inc. of Blackshear was awarded the bid for construction of the new Otter Creek Fire Station, though they were not the low bidder on the project.
SAMS Inc. bid $194,459 for construction of the new fire station.
The apparent low bidder was Superior Industrial of Bainbridge at $178,850. Superior was disqualified for not bidding a red steel building as called for in the bid specs.
The commission also opted to pass up the next lowest bidder, Altas Green House of Alapaha. Atlas bid $194,450, just nine dollars less than SAMS Inc.
Commissioners opted to keep the money in Pierce County and awarded the bid to SAMS Inc.
Other bidders included Tyco Construction of Blackshear at $327,699 and Tyson Construction of Blackshear at $345,829.
Plans call for the construction of a 4,000 square foot facility with four roll up bay doors to accommodate a minimum of four fire trucks or other fire fighting apparatus. There will also be a small office space, bathroom and a shower area for decontamination.
Built with an eye toward possible future expansion, the new Otter Creek structure will be the largest fire station in Pierce County.
The current Otter Creek station is not large enough to house some fire vehicles and has aged to the point that it needs to be replaced.
The new building will be constructed on property formerly owned by Gordon and Phyllis Raulerson.
Originally proposed by former Pierce County Fire Chief Santo Niño, the new facility will be located near the old station at the corner of Owens and Stanfield Roads in the Otter Creek Community.
Construction is expected to start before the end of the year.
Funds from the special purpose local option sales tax will be used fund its construction.
