The county started making its selection for a construction management firm to oversee a new judicial center project Wednesday. Five candidates made presentations in front of county officials about what they can offer.

The commissioners had voted to hire a construction management firm instead of a general contractor.

The construction management firm stands between the contractors and county and supervises the work, timeline and cost.

Commissioner Dave Mullenbach explained that the method would significantly reduce the administrative burden on the county. He also pointed out the construction management approach would contribute to lowering the cost.

The construction management firm charges a fixed amount, while most general contractors take a percentage fee. The separation of the management from actual construction work tends to prevent the inflation of the construction cost by changing the order, Mullenbach said.

The county will check the backgrounds of the candidate firms and ask for a detailed estimate upon confirming a final design of the new facility.