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Commission authorizes 10% contingency for 900 Concourse remodel after Buildings & Grounds review
Summary
Buildings & Grounds outlined change orders and unanticipated construction costs at 900 Concourse; commissioners authorized a 10% contingency to cover outstanding change orders and unknowns discovered during renovation.
The Pennington County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 4 authorized Buildings & Grounds to use a 10% contingency for the 900 Concourse remodel project after a detailed presentation of change orders and unforeseen conditions.
Davis Purcell, director of Buildings & Grounds, told commissioners the project’s initial contingency (about 3% of the project) proved too small once demolition revealed concealed conditions. He identified key change orders already charged to contingency—slab cutting and recessed floor boxes, parking-lot drainage, additional landscaping required by city review, substantial fire-suppression revisions, and added carpet work that previously received commission approval. Purcell said further change requests included wall-covering removal and repairs, added IT ladder racks and cable work, door hardware standardization, a new sanitary sewer connection alignment, audiovisual electrical additions, ballistic-resistant panels for the dais and several new enclosed offices in the planning and zoning area.
Purcell presented an itemized set of PRs (pending change-order requests) totaling about $260,006.49, and described an overall contingency need that the staff characterized as approximately 10% of the project budget to finish work and address additional minor items. Commissioner Rosknecht and others noted industry norms for remodel contingency (8–10% for gut renovations) and voiced support for the request. Commissioners approved the 10% contingency spending authority in a motion by Commissioner Hadcock, seconded by Commissioner Rosknecht; a voice vote carried the motion.
Why it matters
Commissioners said the county purchased the 900 Concourse building and must renovate it to meet code and office needs; concealed conditions and code upgrades—particularly for fire suppression—can increase renovation costs substantially. Approving a contingency prevents project delays while further change orders are addressed and allows staff to move forward with critical repairs and upgrades without returning to the commission for each small contract amendment.
Details to watch
- Purcell reported outstanding PRs totaling roughly $260,006.49 and noted one previously approved change order of about $144,000 for additional carpeting. - The county’s initial contingency (about 3% of the base contract) was largely spent; staff asked to increase contingency authority to a 10% level consistent with typical renovation practice. - Buildings & Grounds will report back to the commission on change orders and use of contingency funds.
Attribution
Presentation and cost figures summarized from Davis Purcell, Buildings & Grounds Director. Auditor and commissioners questioned and confirmed statutory and budgetary authority during the discussion.
