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Commission approves $2.1 million phase‑2 change order for county aquatic center; public raises concerns over $1M overage
Summary
The board approved a $2,116,924 phase‑2 change order for the county's aquatic center and heard public criticism about a roughly $1 million project overage; staff said SPLOST reallocations and grants free up funds to cover the increase.
Baldwin County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a change order for phase 2 of the county aquatic center after a staff presentation and public comment.
County staff summarized the project history, saying work began in 2021 and that inflation increased costs. Staff reported the slimmed Phase 2 scope totals $2,116,924 and that a $447,008 grant applies to the project. County finance staff (Dawn, identified by first name in the record) told commissioners the remainder of the project could be covered with 2023 SPLOST proceeds; staff said reallocations — including grant funding that replaced previously budgeted pickleball expansion and lighting projects — freed funds so recreation projects overall are currently under the combined SPLOST budget.
A member of the public who identified herself as Desiree Liggins questioned why a large overage did not appear earlier, asked whether money earmarked elsewhere would be diverted, and asked why park projects receive funds while roads and other county needs remain unfunded. Commissioner Scott Little acknowledged the overage but said grants and other project reallocations made proceeding preferable to halting work midstream; Little urged completion and called the final facility will be "a beautiful water park." Staff said they expect to know firm delivery dates for remaining ordered items by the Feb. 18 meeting if the board approved the change order.
A commissioner moved to approve the change order; after public comment and brief discussion the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
County staff said the administration will place orders for remaining items immediately; staff expects to update the board on schedule at the February 18 meeting. Several public commenters raised questions about competing priorities, capital planning and whether deferred road or neighborhood needs would be affected.
