Board OKs $136,295 space-needs study, authorizes supplemental appropriation

The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized a space needs study and approved a supplemental appropriation of $136,295 from unassigned fund balance to pay for the work.

County staff said the study will replace a 2019 evaluation and provide programming, existing-conditions assessment, conceptual diagrams for two new buildings (administration and social services), renovation concepts for current facilities, budget estimates and a final report. The study contract is the first project agreement; separate agreements will follow for design, bidding and construction administration if the county proceeds.

County staff said the study’s costs will help determine whether the county should seek debt financing or use cash; staff noted a reimbursement resolution can allow the county to pay initial costs from fund balance and later reimburse those costs if the county issues debt for the project.

The motion forwarded to accept project agreement no. 1 with Terrace Design PC for no more than $136,295, and to authorize the county administrator to execute the agreement subject to approval by the county attorney. The board also approved a supplemental appropriation from fund balance to finance the study. Both votes were 5-0.

Supervisors discussed that the previous study was completed five years earlier and that changes in departments, equipment and COVID-related delays make an updated study appropriate. The board asked staff to return with subsequent project agreements covering pre-bid, bid administration and construction administration phases before any construction begins.