Greene County commissioners approved transfer of appropriations May 29 to cover anticipated change orders on the Trade Bond 35 project, approving authority to pay pending invoices while staff and the contractor reconcile internal allocations.

County finance staff said the county deposited $6.4 million for the project but the contractor appropriated those funds into separate budget buckets; the county has overspent one bucket and underspent the other in the contractor's accounting, and the contractor is requesting payment while reserving reconciliation for project closeout. Staff said they expect approximately $100,000 in additional voucher requests representing the delta between what the county has on deposit and outstanding invoices and that more change orders are likely.

A staff speaker said a $600,000 transfer should cover anticipated change orders with some contingency and that the county prefers interest earned on deposits to remain with the county rather than the contractor. Commissioners approved the transfer of appropriations as submitted.

Staff indicated further vouchers and change orders will come forward as reconciliation continues; commissioners approved the appropriation transfer to ensure timely payment of contractors while disputes are resolved.