Commission tables GBH signing; staff to pursue change order and reimburse from safe-haven fundraising

The County Commission tabled action on a proposal with GBH to install a "lady box," directing staff to pursue a change order through the project's architect and noting the county may temporarily advance funds that would be reimbursed from safe-haven fundraising.

At the Oct. 7 meeting a county commissioner said the item would be taken up next week. County staff said they had discussed the best contractual path and that Architects Alliance advised adding the box through a construction change order to the building project. Staff said they had not completed the change order paperwork and expected it next week.

To summarize the county's potential financial exposure, a county official said, "the county is planning to expend maybe up to $5,000 which will be fully reimbursed because there's a $10,000 ... coming to Baby Fox," referencing fundraising money meant to reimburse the county when the project is complete. Staff also said they were unsure how state rules governing reimbursements would apply and that maintenance and alarm subscription fees (anticipated at up to $5,000) might be covered separately depending on state guidance.

A motion to table the signing of the proposal with GBH was made and the item was postponed for further paperwork; staff will return with a drafted change order and clarification on reimbursement rules and available safe-haven funds.

The commission did not approve any construction work or commit final county funds at the meeting; the action was limited to tabling the signature and requesting staff follow-up.