County Contests Extra Architect Jail Invoice

An additional invoice for Professional Services from TLM Associates for the Lewis County Jail project was recently received in the amount of $114,147. Pushing the additional services expenses budget close to the total of the entire project, Lewis County Attorney Jack Heath sent correspondence to TLM contesting the invoice.

“Lewis County has a number of concerns with respect to TLM’s work on this project...and I hope that we are able to reach an amicable resolution to this matter,” the letter began.

“Except for additional services--none of which have been requested--the total fee due to TLM is five and one half percent (5.5%) of the total cost of construction. To date, Lewis County has paid $250,003.87 to TLM. Based upon the agreed upon rate, TLM would be entitled to approximately $258,500.00 for the entire project,” the letter continued. Moreover, TLM has been paid nearly the entire amount for this project and the project has not even begun.”

Total estimated construction cost of the Lewis County Jail is $4.7 million.

Lewis County has requested a copy of all work TLM has completed along with a detailed account of all work performed by TLM on the jail project. Additionally, Mr. Heath requested a proposed timeline for completion of the jail project be submitted to Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner.

The letter was dated May 11, 2020 and a copy submitted to the Lewis County Board of Commissioners Monday, May 18, 2020.