DeKalb County will soon have a new Health Department after bid notices were published, starting the process for the long-awaited project.
The new 9,860 square foot facility is to be located next to the existing facility on Tiger Drive in Smithville, behind DeKalb Middle School. The projected cost is nearly $4.7 million, including State support of $4,300,500 federal ARP funds through the state, with the remaining $398,000 in local matching ARP funds. Total estimated costs $4,698,500.
This may be good news for the county, which is struggling to find office space for offices currently located inside the DeKalb County Courthouse. Due to safety concerns, non-court related offices are being moved out of the courthouse to help better secure the facility. There have been talks over E-911 possibly moving into the current Health Department building, but other offices, such as THP and Veterans Services may have room at the facility as well.
If E-911 moves from its current location on South Mountain Street, that building might be available for additional office space, such as a history center or other entity.
Plans for the new health department building are to break ground approximately 30-60 days after a contractor is selected. Offices and personnel in the current health department building will be moved to the new facility when it is completed.
The bid notice posted in this paper states;
“The following is an invitation to provide a bid for the construction of a new facility for the Dekalb County Health Department on Tiger Drive, Smithville, TN. The new facility will consist of a 9,860 square foot structure.
“Sealed bids will be received by the Dekalb County Mayor at the Dekalb County Mayor's Office, located at 1 Public Square, Room 204, Smithville, TN 37166, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm (CST). Contract documents, including instructions to bidders can be obtained by contacting AEI, the architect of record. AEI is located at 57 West Broad, Cookeville, TN 38501, (931) 528 6516.
“The successful bidder will be required to furnish an acceptable Performance and Payment Bond in the amount of One Hundred Percent (100%) of the contract price. All bidders must be licensed contractors to perform the type of construction described as required by Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 6, Amended by Chapter 406 of the Public Work Act of 1977.
“Dekalb County reserves the right to negotiate with the successful bidder on alternatives or changes to the bid. Dekalb County reserves the right to waive any irregularities or reject any or all bids as deemed in the best interest of the County.
“This project is being supported with Treasury, Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Fund grant funding. Therefore, certain restrictions and other federal requirements attach to this opportunity.”
