Council confirms city paid East Morgan parking‑lot change order from preservation funds

Martinsville — Members of the Martinsville Common Council discussed responsibility for a change order at the new city parking lot on East Morgan Street and were told the city paid the extra costs from Municipal Vehicle Authority (MVA) restricted preservation funds.
A council member raised the question after the redevelopment commission meeting about who would be charged for a change order. A city staff member explained that during excavation crews discovered additional work and materials were needed to preserve the surrounding area, so the office applied restricted preservation funds to pay the change order. “So it wasn't erroneous or anything like that. That was kind of the best place for it to come from since it was… paid for from the MVA restricted funds for preservation,” the staff member said.
Council members did not direct any reversal of that payment and no motion was taken at the Aug. 25 meeting. The council noted the redevelopment commission would seek clarification on responsibilities for future change orders.