Seminole Utilities Authority approves up to $204,855 in change order for Family Entertainment Center utilities; staff expects TIF reimbursement

The Seminole Utilities Authority on Sept. 8 approved a change order request from Matthews Trenching Company, Inc. for additional utility work related to the Family Entertainment Center, not to exceed $204,855.

Staff explained the work is needed because the developer has not completed the water and sewer extensions to reach the city’s property line where the new center will be located. The approved “orange line” work will run water and sewer to the edge of the city-owned parcel to avoid leaving the new facility without service when construction progresses.

City staff said the cost will come from the capital improvement plan allocation already budgeted for the project. Staff also stated an intent to be reimbursed from Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 (the TIF) once the city amends the TIF plan and authorizes access to those funds. Staff stressed that reimbursement via the TIF is expected but not guaranteed: “if the tax increment district doesn't generate enough property taxes that we may not get reimbursed,” staff said.

During discussion a councilmember asked whether agreements with the developer were required to secure reimbursement; staff replied that an amendment to the increment plan (an agenda item later in the meeting) would give access to the funds and that specific reimbursement mechanics would be addressed in the related TIF actions.

After a motion and roll-call vote, the Utilities Authority approved the change order. The authority’s action authorizes procurement and contract execution for the trenching work up to the approved cap.