Committee approves change order for Lakeland Healthcare Center renovation; staff says project remains within budget

The Walworth County Public Works Committee on May 19 approved change order No. 2 for the Lakeland Healthcare Center renovation, a roughly $9 million project. County staff said the work remains within the project's contingency and that change management is ongoing.

Project manager Nicole told the committee the change order covers several items: adding cold water lines to six dishwashers to meet a tempering requirement for high‑temperature dishwashers; adding under‑cabinet disconnect switches for heat wells; installing emergency‑lighting relays so dimmable ambient lighting can be used without compromising emergency egress illumination; adding additional power and data at nurse stations to support printers, label makers and clinical devices; and moving a med‑prep wall to improve access to hot water heaters with no net cost.

“We are still within that contingency that he talked about,” Nicole said, describing ongoing cost control and active management of the renovation. She told the committee the team had coordinated with clinical staff to confirm the electrical and data needs before rough‑in.

Committee members heard that the first construction pod had performed well and staff encouraged members to visit the site. Vice Chair Ken Monroe moved approval; Supervisor Rick Stacy seconded. The committee approved the change order.

Staff reiterated that project management is closely tracking remaining contingency funds and that the change order items were intended to ensure the facility would be operationally ready when residents move in. No additional contingency appropriation was requested at the meeting.