The Putnam County School Board rejected bids for the Cookeville High School’s indoor softball hitting facility after bids came in higher than expected.
Deputy Director of Schools Tim Martin said the board had budgeted $250,000 for the facility. The low bid came in at an estimated $550,000. Martin said the board will have to go back to the drawing board.
“Basically we are just looking at the general construction of the building,” Martin said. “We’ve asked some contractors to take a look at it and suggest what they think we might change in order to be able to put that bid out and get it back within budget.”
Martin said the original designs for the hitting facility featured a locker room, a coach’s office, and space for batting cages. Martin said the goal is to rebid the project as soon as possible.
“Right now I don’t have the plans back from the contractors that we have asked to take a look at it so hopefully I can get permission to rebid on the next board agenda,” Martin said.
Martin said though the project is delayed the hitting facility is still needed.
“Right now the softball team does not have an indoor hitting facility so since that is a spring sport and they try to start practicing you know, probably January or early February,” Martin said. “It’s hard to get out there and hit outside during that time so they either have to find time inside a gym which can create its own problems or they have to wait until warm weather which makes it harder for you to get your season started.”
In other business, the board recognized the Upperman High School Boys Basketball team for winning the 3A state championship. Upperman Sophomore Ty Cobb was recognized for becoming the TSSAA 3A Mr. Basketball. Cobb is the first player to receive the award in program history.
