VB National Golf Course bid approved for interior renovation despite higher cost than estimate

The Virginia Beach Development Authority voted on March 11 to award a not‑to‑exceed contract to the apparent low bidder for interior renovations at Virginia Beach National Golf Course, even though the low bid exceeded the estimate approved in January.

Pam Witham, presenting the bids, said the authority had previously approved $180,000 for interior renovations that will include new flooring, painting, removal of wall coverings, updated interior/exterior lighting and replacement of doors and windows identified in a 2024 facility assessment. The lowest apparent bid, from Benar Construction, was $259,827 — roughly $80,000 above the earlier appropriation.

Pam told the authority that ongoing projects — the HVAC replacement (scheduled to finish in May) and clubhouse roof replacement (also expected to finish in May) — plus planned capital maintenance for a stormwater project at Lake 1, meant staff wanted to keep available reserves for the golf course. Pam said the capital account still had approximately $1,000,000 remaining after accounting for projects under way and that staff recommended approving the low bidder with a not‑to‑exceed amount so the authority would have to reauthorize additional funds if the project were to exceed the cap.

Commissioner Kathleen O’Neill moved to approve the low bidder with a not‑to‑exceed cap; Penny Morgan seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Pam said staff will report on the status of all golf‑course projects at the next meeting so commissioners can see estimated versus actual costs for each phase. The authority approved the award and set a not‑to‑exceed cap so any overrun would require a return to the authority for additional authorization.