Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says he expects to release additional information late this afternoon concerning the four construction bids submitted for the next stage of renovations to the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville.

Allen told WZQZ News Thursday that his office has been carefully reviewing the proposals since the bids were opened October 27.

The Mitchell Group LLC of Carrollton submitted the apparent low bid of $1,451,503. Headley Construction Corporation of Newnan submitted a bid of $1,682,674, followed by J.K. Lockwood Construction of Alpharetta at $1,691,000 and Banner Services Group LLC of Canton at $1,858,000.

Allen explained that reviewing the bids involves more than simply comparing the prices submitted by contractors. Individual proposals may include conditions and concessions involving subcontractors, meaning the apparent low bid may not necessarily represent the lowest overall cost.

The commissioner also provided additional background on delays in the bidding process.

Allen said the project was initially advertised to local contractors, but no bids were received. During a subsequent bidding effort, contractors requested additional time to prepare their proposals as the deadline approached.

That led the county to extend the process and advertise the project statewide, ultimately resulting in the four bids now under consideration.

The current project involves extensive interior renovations to the historic theatre. Earlier exterior improvements and marquee restoration were completed during the administration of former Commissioner Blake Elsberry.

Chattooga County received a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission toward the restoration project, with a required local matching contribution.

The Tooga Theatre opened in 1947 and was purchased by Chattooga County in 2015 during the administration of former Commissioner Jason Winters.

Plans call for the restored theatre to serve as a venue for theatrical productions, concerts, movies and community events.

Allen says he expects to have additional information concerning the bids available late Friday afternoon. No construction contract has been awarded.