By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

The only contractor who submitted a bid to remodel a former beauty salon into county offices bid $239,807 plus extra for a concrete storm shelter, an air-cooled generator, and architectural drawings.

Cody Nelson of Nelson Fowles Construction bid to demolish all interior framing, drywall, and finishes; demolish plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems; build interior framed walls; fill in two exterior doors, put in seven additional windows, install siding, trim, fascia, and soffit; install cabinets and laminate tops; install six interior windows, 11 interior doors, two exterior storm doors, and two aluminum storefront doors; install two bathrooms and a kitchen sink; replace water piping and sewer lines; and replace a gas water heater, heating and cooling system, ducts, and electrical system.

County commissioners questioned planning and zoning director Sharon Omstead whether Nelson was the only contractor who viewed the building.

She said one other came to look at the building but did not submit a bid.

Emergency manager Marcy Hostetler said a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency might pay for the emergency shelter but wouldn’t if construction began before the grant is awarded.

Commissioners voted 3-2 vote Monday to accept the bid without an emergency shelter. Jonah Gehring and Kent Becker were opposed. David Mueller, David Crofoot, and Randy Dallke were in favor.

In other matters, commissioners approved a job description for road and bridge supervisor and hired interim supervisor Steve Hudson for the position.