Commissioners table $32,343.75 driveway change order for Albany Park parking lot to seek additional quotes

Wichita County commissioners on May 27, 2025, took no action on a contractor change-order request to demolish an existing approach and construct a new driveway entrance at the Albany Park parking lot, instead tabling the proposal to obtain additional quotes.

The renovation item (Mars Patriot Construction, proposal request No. 13) would have added $32,343.75 to previously allocated permanent improvements. County officials reported that once existing material was removed it became clear the approach lacked reinforcing steel and the pavement was crumbling; the contractor’s proposal quoted a scope covering roughly 1,800 square feet. Commissioners questioned the per-square-foot cost cited in the proposal, noting the contractor’s figure equated to about $17.96 per square foot and that typical flat-work pricing might be closer to the $8–$10 per-square-foot range for comparable local work.

Commissioners and staff discussed the cost split between demolition and new flat work and noted some in-house equipment (skid steer/front-end loader) could reduce demo costs. Concerns about potential delay in securing another contractor were raised, but the court concluded it preferred to seek additional quotes rather than accept the change order at the higher unit price.

A judge (referred to in the record as “the judge”) asked for objection to tabling; no objection was recorded and the item was tabled for further quotes and to return to the court at a later meeting. No amendment, contract award, or transfer of funds occurred during the session.