In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial details and progress of a significant construction project, revealing a total projected cost of approximately $6.99 million. The project, which has undergone extensive value engineering, is now set to move forward with a bid from David A. Nice Construction totaling $5.72 million, notably lower than competing bids from Horgan and Henderson.

Key adjustments to the project included a reduction in the required water flow for emergency systems, which helped mitigate costs. The contractor has allocated $125,000 for well construction, and changes in piping specifications have also contributed to overall savings. The final bid encompasses construction, engineering, and design fees, with additional costs for construction management and testing included in the total project budget.

Despite the favorable bid, the project currently faces a funding shortfall of approximately $1.85 million. Officials proposed a motion to appropriate this amount from the capital fund balance, which has a total of $3.8 million set aside for future projects. If approved, construction is expected to commence within months, marking a significant step forward for the initiative that began in the fiscal year 2023 budget process.

The timeline for the project has been a point of discussion, with the board previously borrowing $4 million for its funding. The meeting underscored the importance of timely decision-making to ensure the project remains on track, with officials optimistic about the potential for further negotiations to close the funding gap.