Coeur D'Alene approves permit while addressing budget overruns on major projects

In a recent meeting of the Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners, officials reported positive developments regarding ongoing projects, including a significant cost-saving on a permit and updates on construction initiatives.

The City of Coeur d'Alene has confirmed that a crucial permit is ready for pickup, allowing the county to proceed with its plans. Notably, the permit came in approximately $36,000 under budget, which will help offset additional costs associated with a change order required by the city. This change order, amounting to about $50,000, is necessary to ensure that certain areas meet ADA compliance standards.

Commissioners also discussed the jail generator transfer switch project, with bids expected to be opened on March 25. This project is moving forward as planned, indicating progress in enhancing county facilities.

However, the meeting highlighted challenges with the administration's HVAC project. Only one bid was received from Dardan Construction, which exceeded the allocated budget by approximately $400,000. The county had set aside $2 million for the project, including design fees, but the single bid raised concerns about the overall cost and the limited contractor interest. Officials are considering options to revise the project scope and potentially re-bid it to attract more competitive offers.

The commissioners emphasized the importance of ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively and expressed a commitment to exploring all avenues to reduce costs before making a formal recommendation on the HVAC project.

As the meeting concluded, the board prepared to review the first quarter financial statements, indicating a proactive approach to managing the county's budget and resources. The discussions reflect the county's ongoing efforts to balance project needs with fiscal responsibility, ultimately aiming to serve the best interests of Kootenai County residents.