Bids opened for Sheriff Office complex

St. Martin Sheriff Becket Breaux and his staff are looking over bids opened last week for an 18,324 sq.ft. office complex to be constructed at the parish's Law Enforcement Complex on LA31/ Main Highway just south of Ruth.
Apparent low bidder among seven proposals received was Thomson Brothers Construction Inc. of Baton Rouge with a base price of $3,490,500. Sheriff Breaux said he hopes to also include an alternate that would provide additional parking and access areas at a cost of $209,000.
Breaux and representatives with Angelle Architects were reviewing the bid specifications this week and expect to sign a contract for the work in the near future.
The sheriff said Tuesday that money for the facility will come from funds accumulated by his office over recent years and would not require the issuance of bonds or additional taxes.
Estimated completion date would be March of 2023.
Breaux Bridge plans to consolidate all enforcement operations in the new building, including all investigators, detectives and patrol personnel along with juvenile, elderly services, internal affairs, maintenance and civil divisions.
Along with dozens of offices, the new building will also include a large conference room and a small gymnasium.
Breaux is planning to institute fitness requirements for his deputies, offering use of the gym to those in need.
The Ruth complex already houses the 911 center, Homeland Security and mechanics shops on the 24acre site.
The St. Martinville office across Claiborne Street from the courthouse will primarily house administrative operations while the second floor parish jail will remain unchanged.
Sheriff Breaux plans to meet with representatives of Thompson Brothers before a contract is signed.
"I'm going to emphasize to them that we don't want to see any change orders that might add to the cost of the facility," he said. "We're not planning on spending any more than the base bid and alternate call for."
Once the contract is signed, Breaux said a ground breaking ceremony would be scheduled as soon as possible.