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Council questions repeated change orders on force main project after multiple additions pushed costs past procurement threshold
Summary
Council members pressed staff about repeated change orders on the force main that extended from the intermediate school toward the Publix/Planters Point area, saying multiple add-ons raised the contract beyond the 10% threshold and asking staff to tighten oversight of low bids followed by large additions.
Council members pressed staff about multiple change orders on a force main extension project that runs from the intermediate school to the Publix at Planters Point, saying the work has produced several additions that together pushed the total above the city’s 10% change‑order threshold.
Daryl (staff member) told the council the contractor had added more fittings and materials than were in the original bid quantities and that change orders were necessary to finish the work. A councilmember raised the scale of the add-ons and said it “was like the 4th change order on this particular one.” The councilmember asked for stronger scrutiny of contractors that bid low and then add substantial change orders later.
Daryl and other staff described a sequence of reasons for the change orders. One earlier change order, they said, accelerated the work by adding crews to finish faster; another extended the line north to pick up additional water customers and to avoid issues with lift stations; and a later change order reflected a discrepancy between bid quantities and as-built materials — notably ductile‑iron fittings for a 16‑inch diameter main that required substantially more material than the bid called for.
Council members repeatedly emphasized the need to avoid a pattern where a competitor wins by low bid then returns with numerous add-ons. One councilmember said they would “be paying attention” and voiced reluctance to make a habit of repeatedly approving large change orders. Staff said they had met the contractor, reviewed calculations, and performed “sanity checks” that supported the final materials cost, and they described the project as essentially complete with only close-out paperwork remaining.
Why it matters: change orders of this magnitude affect the city’s capital spending and procurement integrity. Council members said they want clearer cost breakdowns, more frequent checks on bid quantities versus as-built needs, and stronger controls when work added after contract award changes the overall bid position.
What’s next: staff advised council that the change order under discussion exceeded the 10% threshold and will be considered for approval on the council agenda; councilmembers requested follow‑up on procurement controls and that future large add‑ons be presented with detailed back‑up for review.
