Contractor sues county
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

The contractor who built the River's Bend Fire Station is suing Chesterfield County, claiming it hasn't been paid for replacing the station's concrete floor. In the suit filed in Chesterfield County Circuit Court, Viking Enterprises is seeking $86,531 plus interests and court costs after the county requested a change order.

At the request of staff, the county supervisors denied payment to Viking on July 27, 2005. The original contract and other change orders were paid by Chesterfield totaling $2.12 million.

"We have a dispute with the county over the interpretation of contract documents," said attorney Brad Marrs. "The county has taken the position that it can demand replacement of the floor without having to pay for it. We're in a strong position."

The county attorney's office did not respond to an e-mail or phone call by this newspaper.

Viking first filed suit against the county about a year ago but withdrew it. At that time Chesterfield County Attorney Steve Micas said, "The company made a claim before the board on the [replacement] floor which was denied. The first floor was not in compliance with the contract terms so we forced them to re-pour it."