Your Opinion: Excessive spending at Courthouse

Clayton Hill

Jefferson City

Dear Editor:

What am I missing? Recently, the Cole County Commission approved a contract for $321,920 to do landscaping and sidewalks at the courthouse. Probably another $20,000 or so was spent for consultant's design and documents. This contract exceeds the cost of budgeted snow removal materials. Appears excessive and an ill-advised expenditure of taxes.

I may be ignorant have been countless times - but what part of the previous contract to install windows in 2017 was voided or omitted regarding "protections of the work?" From my experience, the previous contract would have required existing trees and sidewalks to be safe-guarded, or if not, caused the contractor to correct damages.

The second part of the article was somewhat encouraging as it allowed volunteer agencies to be involved to cut costs and to recognize their valuable inclusion. I would believe that these mentioned groups, and similar entities such as the local garden clubs, could have put together a scope for this project sufficient to negate consultants' costs entirely. They undoubtedly have the expertise within their organization and are well-educated in plantings and landscape design. I know first-hand with my association with the Master Gardeners and UMC Extension.