Another piece of the Mercer County Courthouse puzzle was put in place Thursday when commissioners unanimously awarded a $94,486 contract to Hudson Construction Inc., Hermitage, for the fourth courtroom project.

Hudson and Wallace Builders of Pulaski were the only two bidders for the general contracting part of the project, which commissioners said will come in at about $322,000, or about $100,000 less than initial estimates. That $322,000 figure includes the cost for the construction of the courtroom from top to bottom, except for the carpet and furniture, Commissioner Cloyd E. "Gene" Brenneman said.

Hudson submitted a low base bid of $109,486 and alternates of $99,486 and $94,486, while Wallace Builders submitted figures of $148,000, $144,800 and $142,800, respectively.

The difference in the base bid and alternates was determined by the type of wood being used. Commissioners said that in the end, the look of the fourth courtroom will be similar to the third courtroom.

Despite the fact that the courthouse renovation has been ongoing for more than two years, commissioners only began advertising for bids to "supply general contracting work" for the fourth courtroom on Sept. 24.