Hot Springs city staff told the Board of Directors Oct. 7 that equipment delivery delays have moved the expected completion of the new water treatment plant from October 2025 to March 2026 and asked approval of a change order to extend the engineering contract.

City Engineer Gary Carnahan said the engineering contract with Christ Engineers Inc. assumed an October 2025 completion when the firm calculated its construction‑administration fee. "Because of equipment deliveries during all of this construction period, we're not expecting the final plant to be completed until March 2026," Carnahan said. Staff asked the Board to approve an additional $180,480 to continue inspection and construction administration for the plant.

Carnahan said the fee addition is based on additional anticipated inspection and administration days (approximately 150 calendar days). Board members asked whether hourly rate sheets remained unchanged; Carnahan said the firm had used the same rate sheet but that staff would confirm the rate sheet is included in the packet. A board member also noted that if the plant finishes early — January or February instead of March — the added amount will be reduced.

No formal vote occurred during the agenda meeting; staff said the change‑order request is on the full Board agenda for the regular meeting. Staff committed to include the rate sheet and supporting documentation in the packet.