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Library, senior center and FDR Boulevard projects drive borrowing discussion; commissioners ask for timelines
Summary
Commissioners were told combined cost increases on the Leonardtown library and Garvey senior center project and revised estimates for FDR Boulevard Phase 3 pushed total FY2018 borrowing needs above current authority; staff was asked to provide realistic timelines and options to shift project years to stay within borrowing limits.
County staff told the St. Mary's County Board of Commissioners on May 2 that updated bids and escalation since initial estimates have increased the combined Leonardtown Library and Garvey Senior Center project by roughly $1.6 million and that estimates for FDR Boulevard Phase 3 also rose. Those cost changes put FY2018 bond authority needs above the 37.9 million dollars the board had previously authorized.
The combined library/senior-center project was consolidated for bidding, and staff reported a total project estimate of about $21.5 million with an estimated county share increase of approximately $957,000 after accounting for an additional $500,000 state grant application for the library. Staff said contingencies used in the current design phase (about 6%) drove much of the increase and that contingencies can fall toward construction.
The FDR Boulevard Phase 3 schedule also factored in: staff said design was roughly 80 percent complete, but several commissioners questioned whether right-of-way acquisition and construction could be accomplished in FY2018. Public Works staff said property acquisition will require appraisals and negotiations for roughly 30'40 parcels and estimated acquisitions could take six months or longer once property approaches begin. Commissioners asked staff to provide a detailed timeline and to identify how much FY2018 spending could realistically be shifted to FY2019 or later to avoid seeking additional borrowing authority without a realistic ability to use it.
Nut graf: The board faces a shortfall between planned FY2018 capital projects and existing borrowing authority; commissioners prioritized realistic scheduling and a firm project management plan before authorizing extra debt.
Commissioners told staff to return next week with a revised project schedule for FDR Boulevard Phase 3 and with options to move portions of projects out of FY2018 so the county remains within its authorized general obligation bond (GOB) limits. Staff also agreed to explore assigning a dedicated project manager (or prioritizing an existing project manager) to move FDR Boulevard forward and to provide a timeline tied to design milestones, property acquisition and permitting.
Ending: Staff will return with the requested timelines and with a proposal showing which FY2018 projects, if any, could be deferred to keep borrowing within authorized limits while preserving the county's ability to advertise or stage work to avoid construction delays.
