The Ross Valley Sanitary District's recent meeting highlighted a significant $300,000 increase in costs for site improvements related to their new headquarters. The original contract was set at $1,247,000, but unforeseen issues with the existing paving led to the budget overrun.

During the meeting, officials explained that initial design documents lacked detailed specifications for the paving, which was found to be substandard once construction began. The discovery prompted a thorough overhaul of the parking lot, which included removing inadequate asphalt and replacing it with a robust structure designed to support large vehicles.

Phil, a project manager, detailed the extensive work undertaken, including over-excavation and the installation of geotechnical fabric and aggregate base rock, followed by a new asphalt overlay. This proactive approach aimed to ensure the longevity and reliability of the parking area, crucial for the district's operations.

The meeting also addressed the financial implications of the overage, with staff noting that careful management of cash flow allowed for the additional expenses to be covered without jeopardizing other budget areas. The contractor, Poseidon, was able to reduce their unit price for asphalt from $500 to $300 per ton, which helped mitigate some of the increased costs.

As the project progresses, the district is focused on maintaining high standards for sustainability and infrastructure reliability, ensuring that the new headquarters meets operational needs effectively.