By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
The Okarche Police Department is slowly moving into its new station as town officials eye hefty fines to levy against the contractor who built it.
The police station was to be completed in March 2018. The construction company, C4L, LLC could face fines of up to $250 for every day it failed to meet the agreed construction deadline.
The town board entered into executive session Monday night to discuss options with C4L’s attorney.
“We are in negotiations with his (C4L owner) attorney,” Town Administrator Richard Raupe said. “By the state law you have to take the lowest bidder and sometimes you get what you pay for.”
This is the second consecutive town board meeting during which board members convened in executive session regarding the matter.
Attempts to reach C4L, LLC were not successful. Okarche Town Attorney Bryce Kennedy could not be reached for comment at press time.
Raupe has attributed delays to problems with the roofing contractor and concrete work. C4L disagreed with town officials about the blueprints and contract agreement which caused further delays.
Despite the trouble, Raupe said the new police station is something residents can be proud of.
“It’s a really nice building and it’s going to be an asset for the community for years to come. We could sell that thing for profit. If the police department decides to do (go) somewhere else down the line, it’s a commercial building that could be sold or leased. It’s got a good aesthetic appeal and it’s something for the town to be proud of.”
Raupe said the final step before moving in will depend on when installation for a server and telephone service is completed.
