The Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved a $653,600 contract with Strauser Construction Company Inc. to renovate Election Central at the Showers Building North.

Procurement staff read a recommendation letter from the project consultant saying Strauser was the most responsible and responsive bidder and that required bid documents (project bid form, state form 96, affidavit of compliance) were in order. Staff summarized the base bid and alternate pricing in a recommendation to accept the contractors proposal.

Commissioners and the clerks office discussed why initial estimates reached $1.3–$1.5 million and why the actual bid was lower. Staff explained that changing occupancy requirements for early voting initially would have required substantial ceiling encapsulation and other construction; a state variance allowed the county to maintain the current occupancy classification for limited use of the space and thereby avoid much of that added work. The variance and negotiations reduced estimated cost and preserved the project schedule for spring early voting.

Clerk's office staff thanked procurement staff and Strauser for their coordination; the board approved the contract 3‑0.

Why it matters: The contract funds renovations needed to centralize election operations and early voting ahead of the 2026 primary. The variance avoided larger construction work and lower‑level space changes that would have increased cost and schedule risk.

What's next: Staff will coordinate final construction schedules with the clerk's office to ensure Election Central is ready for the primary season.