Council approves final change order for City Hall project after questions about cost increases

The Bastrop City Council approved a change order for the City Hall construction project during the Sep. 11 meeting that increases the project total from previously discussed amounts to approximately $529,000 (figures discussed in meeting materials). Council members questioned the recurring change orders and sought an itemized breakdown of costs before approving the amendment.

Council discussion noted the original budget and subsequent revisions. Staff referenced an obligation total shown in the project report and said the work had been completed. Council members pressed for clarity on the drivers of the increase, including material costs and scope changes, and asked for a comprehensive line-item accounting for change-order charges going forward.

A motion to approve the change order was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript records the motion, a second, and the chair calling for ayes; the motion carried.

The record indicates the work referenced in the payment had been completed; council members requested staff provide a detailed breakdown comparing the original figures to the revised totals to inform future approvals and oversight.

The council did not provide a member-by-member roll-call vote on the record. Council also discussed the need to control recurring change orders and to ensure future protocol for signing-off on modifications to capital projects.