Finance director: Brighton executed 477 contracts and change orders in 2024; council to track details

During the Jan. 28, 2025 study session the Brighton finance director reported that the city executed 477 contracts and change orders during calendar year 2024, a sharp increase from prior-year counts that were described as "probably more like 350." The report was delivered as an informational item and council did not vote on any related action.

"I would like to share that we executed 477 contracts and change orders in 2024. It was a very busy year. We got a lot of work done," the finance director said. Staff said the higher count reflected more active capital projects and more change orders tied to those projects.

Council members asked how the change related to a policy change the council made last year that adjusted thresholds for council engagement and approval. City Manager Martinez said staff did not have an exact count at the meeting of how many contracts were executed without coming to council under the revised thresholds, but the manager recalled an internal estimate that the change would reduce the number of contract items requiring council action by roughly 100 to 120 per year. The finance director said staff would track the data and report back in future updates.

Council members expressed appreciation for visibility into contract activity while also noting the administrative relief that comes from fewer items requiring formal council agendas and slide decks. No formal action was taken; staff will continue to report contract activity and provide a more detailed breakdown in a future report.