The Indianola Board of Aldermen unanimously approved contractor bids Monday night for two homeowner rehabilitation projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Mississippi Home Corporation, advancing efforts to repair housing for local residents.
During a special called meeting on Monday, Mayor Ken Featherstone and the full board reviewed sealed bids from four Mississippi-licensed contractors for the “HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation” program. The session, led by grant administrator Dr. Adrian Brown, included a public reading and rating of each bid.
First House: Monroe Golden LLC Awarded Contract
For the first property, four bids were received:
VPM Construction (Madison, Miss.): $40,130.02
Monroe Golden LLC (Indianola, Miss.): $38,825
Spencer Construction (Indianola, Miss.): $65,500
AIA Builders (Greenwood, Miss.): $69,700
After deliberation, Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi made a motion, seconded by Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder, to award the contract to Monroe Golden LLC, the lowest bidder. The board approved the motion unanimously.
Second House: VPM Construction Selected
For the second home, Monroe Golden LLC did not submit a bid. The remaining bids were:
VPM Construction (Madison, Miss.): $68,430
Spencer Construction (Indianola, Miss.): $72,000
AIA Builders (Greenwood, Miss.): $71,300
Alderman Elder motioned, with a second from Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock, to accept the lowest bid from VPM Construction. The board again voted unanimously in favor.
Funding and Next Steps
Brown explained that Mississippi Home Corporation approved the use of set-aside funds from some existing properties no longer part of the grant, ensuring the city will not need to allocate general funds for the repairs.
The city expects to receive a notice to proceed by late July, with construction anticipated to start in August and conclude by year's end.
“We look to start construction in August, reach 50% completion by September, and have everything finished by December 31, 2025,” Brown told the board.
Homeowners were required to verify income eligibility, and all documentation will be submitted to the Mississippi Home Corporation by the July deadline.
Board Members Present
In attendance were Mayor Ken Featherstone, City Clerk Stephanie Washington, and Aldermen Gary Fratesi (Ward 1), Darrell Simpson (Ward 2), Ruben Woods (Ward 3), Marvin Elder (Ward 4), and Sam Brock (Ward 5).
The board’s decisions represent a significant step toward improving housing conditions for Indianola residents, with work expected to commence once contracts are finalized.
