Walpole building committee hears field work estimate top $2 million; approves $1.33 million invoice package

WALPOLE, Mass. — At a Jan. 14 meeting, the Walpole School Building Committee was told the design-development (DD) estimate for athletic-field work is “just over $2,000,000,” and members voted 10–1 to approve a December vendor invoice package for $1,332,110.80, which includes a $909,194 payment due to Fontaine.

Committee members heard the cost update during a project-status briefing and discussed ways to trim scope if needed before final construction documents. Kate, a staff member for the project, and Joel, a design consultant, told the committee the DD estimate exceeds the earlier feasibility estimate and that the construction-document package is scheduled to be complete on Jan. 21; the committee will review the final package and consider a formal vote in February.

Why it matters: the estimate affects the school project budget and potential reimbursements from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Kate noted the MSBA holds remaining payments once a project reaches 95% of the estimated grant; the project is currently at about 91% and remains eligible for…