By Ray King
A resolution declaring that a Texas company qualifies as a “sole source” vendor and therefore competitive bidding is not required was approved without dissent by the Pine Bluff City Council Monday.
The Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department is in need of a new live fire training building and says Lonestar Tactical Buildings LLC is uniquely qualified to construct the facility to the department’s specifications.”
Interim Fire and Emergency Services Chief Randy Compton was about the resolution before the meeting Monday.
Compton said the building the department is currently using is extremely old the new one will help train firefighters when they get back from the fire department.
According to a contract attached to the resolution, the new building will cost $630,898.94. Construction is expected to be completed on or before June 30, 2026.
Also Monday, a resolution authorizing the Economic and Community Development Department to buy an apartment building at 4500 Union Avenue to serve individuals who are homeless, a risk of being homeless, fleeing from domestic violence or sexual assault or the threat of human trafficking.
Pine Bluff received a grant totaling $820,261 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is buying the apartment building for $420,000.
