Knox County Commissioners have rejected all bids for the proposed Emergency Operations Center, citing cost overruns well above the county’s $2.3 million budget.

Bids were opened on June 30th for the project which is planned for the former poor farm site on Hart Street.  The goal has been for the new building to house dispatch, emergency management and the coroner’s office.

The decision to reject all bids came during Tuesday’s meeting, where commissioners noted the lowest bid received—$3.6 million—exceeded the budget by more than $1 million. A motion to reject all bids was approved 2-1, with Commissioner Kellie Streeter voting against it.

Streeter expressed concern over the lack of progress and notifications to bidders stressing something needs to move forward.

Commissioners President T-J Brink said they will explore other options which could include revised plans but a timeline for the next steps was not set.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners voted to appoint Chad Reynolds as the new superintendent of the county’s highway department.

The appointment passed by a 2-1 vote during the commissioners’ Tuesday meeting.  While Reynolds received support from Commissioners Tim Ellerman and TJ Brink, Commissioner Kelly Streeter raised concerns about the hiring process and related employment terms.

Streeter commented she was uncomfortable approving the appointment without clearer communication with the county council and final terms in writing.

Despite the objections, the commissioners proceeded with the vote. Reynolds replaces Matt Holden who recently resigned to return to work in his home county of Gibson.