Council approves change order to keep Southern Pump Station work moving; staff to return with remaining funding plan

El Centro City Council on Jan. 21 approved a change order to advance construction of the Southern Pump Station, a sewer lift station intended to serve the city’s south side and enable future residential and commercial development.

Public Works staff described the project as a multi‑phase lift station near Farnsworth and Danube that will collect gravity flow and pump it east via a pressurized main. Staff said the work benefits the area between A Street and Dogwood and between McCabe and the interstate, and that proposed subdivisions such as Willow Bend and Gailey need the pump station to proceed.

Staff said the project was value‑engineered to reduce costs (smaller building footprint, chain‑link fencing in lieu of block walls and other adjustments) so limited additional work could proceed without pausing the overall schedule during a Danenberg Road closure. The council approved the change order by a 5‑0 vote; the motion was made by Council member Marroquin and seconded by Council member Ellet, as recorded in the meeting.

Staff told council the wastewater enterprise fund will absorb the approved change order and that other funding sources tied to the contract include ARPA and capacity fees. Staff also said there remains a portion of Phase 1B that was not included in this change order; they are continuing to work with finance and expect to return with a recommended funding plan and any needed supplemental change order.

Council discussion included questions about existing septic service in parts of the quadrant, the project’s role in diverting flow that currently reaches the Liversarie area (staff said diversion is expected to reduce odor complaints), and how the project opens trunk sewer capacity for future development.

Outcome: motion to approve change order 3 approved 5‑0. Staff will return with final cost numbers and a request for any additional change orders needed to complete Phase 1B.