Potter County project staff told the Commissioner’s Court on July 14 that the booking-room renovation is nearing substantial completion and outlined remaining closeout steps, outstanding balances and state inspection requirements.
Construction manager Mike (staff) reported the OPREX construction contract is about 85% complete and that change orders issued total $58,252. He said, after pay request No. 9, the contractor balance stood at $222,001.32 against an original guaranteed maximum price of about $1.6 million; staff said contingency funds have been used to cover late items and that some ARPA funds were applied to change orders to avoid county departmental charges.
Burns Architects’ professional services for the project total $253,008.10, staff said; construction-administration services are at about 85% and total professional services are near 96% of contract value. Staff emphasized the architect must certify closeout documents (warranties, operations/maintenance manuals, subcontractor warranty letters) before final payments are released.
Staff outlined a closeout schedule: a targeted substantial-completion inspection the week of July 24–25, cleaning and a contractor punch list starting July 24–25, a county-led punch-list walkthrough the week of July 28–August 1 and a closeout-document deadline of August 1. Separately, an architectural-barrier (ADA) inspection required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) must be filed by Sept. 1; staff said the county will request an extension if that schedule slips.
Project staff also reviewed phase-2 activity at the LEC site: demolition is underway with the contractor planning to complete structural removal by July 21 and begin site preparation for new construction; the county has received the building permit and other required site permits, staff said. A $13,194.72 change order to cover subcontractor/supplier price increases was approved and paid from contingency for the phase-2 contract. Project managers warned that warranties and outstanding warranty claims should be documented and tracked with contractors; commissioners asked county counsel to send warranty enforcement letters if contractors do not respond promptly.