TIFTON — The Tift County Board of Commissioners is making plans to continue development at the E.B. Hamilton Sports Complex.

Commissioners discussed where to go next on their plans for the construction of a maintenance building on the property, as well as the upgrading of the lighting and electrical systems of the sports complex, during their Dec. 3 meeting.

Jason Jordan, public works director, reported that the county had opened bid for the construction of a 65 foot by 43 foot building, as well as the laying of a concrete slab and provision of utilities, in November, which Chula based contractor Intrepid Building Systems had returned the lowest bid at $480,437.

He recommended the commissioners award the contract to Intrepid, stating that the project would take an estimated 180 days to complete and would likely begin in late February or March 2025.

A bid had likewise been opened for the lighting and electrical systems project around the same time, Jordan stated, which requested an upgrade of the lighting system of the sports complex, as well as the electrical boxes that supported them, to bring them up to date and more in line with safety standards.

Jack Knight Electric, an electrician company in Sylvester, offered the lowest bid at $409,632, and Jordan recommended they be awarded the project. He estimated the renovation would take around 90 calendar days to finish.

Commissioners also discussed enlisting consultant Watkins & Associates to assist in both projects, such as by preparing and reviewing construction plans and contract documents. They would be brought on board for $42,278 for the maintenance building plan and $48,513 for the lighting and electrical work.

Each of these items was placed on the consent agenda for potential discussion and approval during their meeting next Monday.