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Commission approves change orders for wastewater project; testing and larger vaults increase cost
Summary
The commission approved change orders that increased the contract for a wastewater project to cover additional materials testing and to replace precast manholes with larger corrugated metal vaults to remove confined-space hazards.
Tucumcari commissioners on May 8 approved change orders to a wastewater infrastructure project (Rios project) that raised the contract amount to cover unforeseen testing costs and to replace smaller precast concrete manholes with larger corrugated metal vaults.
Staff said one change order covered additional materials testing; the original testing allowance was $10,000 but actual costs rose to $12,770, generating a requested increase to cover the overage. The presenter explained that testing allowances are estimates in the bid and sometimes additional testing is required during construction to ensure materials meet specifications.
A separate change order replaced the originally planned precast concrete manholes (about 3–3.5 feet diameter in the design) with 8-foot-diameter corrugated metal vaults. Staff said city employees requested the larger vaults so crews could enter and perform work without triggering confined-space entry rules, lowering liability and safety costs. The change order cost increase for that item was $33,564.65. Staff said both changes remain within the total Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant amount for the project.
Commissioners discussed minimizing change orders in the future but voted to approve the requests now, noting that contingencies in construction contracts typically cover such issues. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from commissioners present.
